IPPS

IPPS (Internet Printing Protocol over SSL) is a network printing protocol that provides secure communication between clients and printers. It uses SSL/TLS to encrypt data, ensuring that print jobs are transmitted securely. This protocol is commonly used in environments where data privacy is crucial.

What is IPPS

IPPS (Internet Printing Protocol over SSL) is an extension of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) that adds a layer of security through SSL/TLS encryption. This ensures that all data transmitted between the client and the printer is encrypted, protecting it from interception and tampering. IPPS is particularly useful in environments where sensitive information is printed, such as in corporate or governmental settings.

The IPP protocol itself was developed by the Printer Working Group (PWG) and has become a standard for network printing. By adding SSL/TLS, IPPS addresses the security concerns associated with transmitting print jobs over potentially insecure networks. This makes it a preferred choice for organizations that need to comply with data protection regulations.

IPPS operates over port 631, the same port used by IPP, but with the added security of SSL/TLS. This means that existing IPP infrastructure can often be upgraded to support IPPS with minimal changes. The protocol supports a wide range of printing features, including job submission, job status monitoring, and printer status queries, all while ensuring that the data remains secure during transmission.

IPPS runs on TCP port 631 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 631 is open and the IPPS service is running, there is a risk that unauthorized users could attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the protocol or the printer itself. Ensuring that SSL/TLS is properly configured and that the printer firmware is up to date can mitigate these risks. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to restrict who can send print jobs to the printer.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 631. Use StackChanges to monitor if the IPPS port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 631 is open again.