CVE-2001-0258 in Easycom Safecom Print Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Easycom/Safecom Print Server (firmware 404.590) PrintGuide server allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a large number of connections that send null characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0258 affects the Easycom/Safecom Print Server firmware version 404.590, specifically within the PrintGuide server component. This issue represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that exploits the device's handling of network connections and data processing. The flaw manifests when remote attackers send a large volume of connections containing null characters, which triggers the device's inability to properly process these malformed inputs. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and resource management within the print server's network handling routines, creating a scenario where legitimate service availability is compromised through malicious connection patterns.
This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level and specifically targets the print server's connection handling mechanisms. The technical flaw occurs when the system receives multiple simultaneous connections with null character payloads, causing the device to either crash or become unresponsive. The null character injection technique exploits the server's failure to properly sanitize incoming connection data, leading to resource exhaustion or memory corruption that results in service disruption. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and represents a form of resource exhaustion attack that can be executed with relatively simple network tools. The attack vector requires only network access to the vulnerable device and can be performed without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in unsecured network environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect business continuity and network availability for organizations relying on these print servers. When exploited successfully, the denial of service condition prevents legitimate users from accessing printing services, potentially causing workflow interruptions and productivity losses. The vulnerability affects network infrastructure components that may be critical for document processing in office environments, healthcare facilities, or industrial settings where print services are essential for operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform sustained disruption attacks against networked printing infrastructure, particularly in environments where multiple print servers are deployed and monitored for availability. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where print servers serve as critical components in automated document processing workflows or where print access is required for regulatory compliance purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the input validation flaws in the PrintGuide server component. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to print servers and deploy firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block excessive connection attempts. Network administrators should monitor connection patterns and implement rate limiting mechanisms to prevent connection flooding attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security assessments of embedded network devices. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls that restrict which systems can communicate with print servers and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual connection patterns. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in network infrastructure components, with particular attention to legacy devices that may not receive regular security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation in network services and proper resource management to prevent exploitation through connection-based attacks.