Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
m deduplicate <ref> |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Category:Feature Ransom]] | [[Category:Feature Ransom]] | ||
On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer [[:wikipedia:Bambu Lab|Bambu Lab]] announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, in the name of security. Bambu has stated the following:<blockquote>''"This change is mitigating any risk of remote hacks or printer exposure issues that have happened in the past and also lower the risk of abnormal traffic or attacks."''<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref><ref>https://all3dp.com/4/bambu-lab-limits-third-party-printer-control-with-new-security-update/</ref></blockquote> | On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer [[:wikipedia:Bambu Lab|Bambu Lab]] announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, in the name of security. Bambu has stated the following:<blockquote>''"This change is mitigating any risk of remote hacks or printer exposure issues that have happened in the past and also lower the risk of abnormal traffic or attacks."''<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2">https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref><ref>https://all3dp.com/4/bambu-lab-limits-third-party-printer-control-with-new-security-update/</ref></blockquote> | ||
== Controversy regarding firmware updates == | == Controversy regarding firmware updates == | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
=== Potential for remote disabling of printers === | === Potential for remote disabling of printers === | ||
A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to remotely disable printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's Terms of Service<ref>https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms</ref> states that printers may block "new print jobs" if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence | A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to remotely disable printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's Terms of Service<ref>https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms</ref> states that printers may block "new print jobs" if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. The announcement, however, specifically says, "'''What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?''' ''You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions.''"<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" /> | ||
While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and LAN-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the Terms of Service do not explicitly limit this restriction to cloud-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/</ref> | While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and LAN-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the Terms of Service do not explicitly limit this restriction to cloud-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/</ref> | ||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
These software updates are mandatory for users who update their firmware. Failing to update all components simultaneously will result in certain printer controls becoming unusable. Users who choose to maintain third-party software compatibility can continue using older firmware versions, though this will not be an option for new printers, which will ship with the authorization system pre-installed. | These software updates are mandatory for users who update their firmware. Failing to update all components simultaneously will result in certain printer controls becoming unusable. Users who choose to maintain third-party software compatibility can continue using older firmware versions, though this will not be an option for new printers, which will ship with the authorization system pre-installed. | ||
Bambu Lab states these coordinated updates are necessary because the new authorization system fundamentally changes how the printer validates and accepts commands. The older versions of Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy lack the authentication mechanisms required to interact with printers running the new firmware. The Bambu Connect application was created specifically to provide a controlled interface for third-party software, replacing the previous direct access through network plugins<ref | Bambu Lab states these coordinated updates are necessary because the new authorization system fundamentally changes how the printer validates and accepts commands. The older versions of Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy lack the authentication mechanisms required to interact with printers running the new firmware. The Bambu Connect application was created specifically to provide a controlled interface for third-party software, replacing the previous direct access through network plugins<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. | ||
== Impact on third-party integration and user choice == | == Impact on third-party integration and user choice == | ||
| Line 74: | Line 74: | ||
=== Permanent nature of the update === | === Permanent nature of the update === | ||
Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allows full control of the printer using LAN mode access key while signed into the cloud<ref | Once a printer is updated to the new firmware, users cannot revert to previous versions that allows full control of the printer using LAN mode access key while signed into the cloud<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. The option still exists to disable the cloud service. | ||
The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain cloud functionality. | The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref>https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain cloud functionality. | ||