CVE-2002-1067 in IC9 Pocket Print Server
Summary
by MITRE
Administrative web interface for IC9 Pocket Print Server Firmware 7.1.30 and 7.1.36f allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (reboot and reset) via a long password, possibly due to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1067 represents a critical security flaw in the IC9 Pocket Print Server firmware versions 7.1.30 and 7.1.36f that exposes the administrative web interface to remote exploitation. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the firmware's authentication subsystem, specifically affecting the password handling functionality. The vulnerability operates through a buffer overflow condition that occurs when an attacker submits an excessively long password string to the administrative interface, which subsequently triggers unauthorized system reboot and reset operations. This flaw fundamentally compromises the availability and integrity of the network printing infrastructure by allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to disrupt service operations at will.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common buffer overflow patterns that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and classified under CWE-121, which describes the condition where a program copies data into a buffer without proper bounds checking. The administrative web interface of the IC9 Pocket Print Server fails to implement proper input length validation, allowing attackers to exceed the allocated buffer space for password fields. This specific implementation flaw creates an exploitable condition where the excessive input data overflows into adjacent memory regions, causing the system to behave unpredictably and ultimately leading to forced reboots and system resets. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input sanitization that has been repeatedly exploited in embedded systems and network appliances throughout the early 2000s era.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1067 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential business continuity risks and network infrastructure compromise. Organizations relying on IC9 Pocket Print Servers for their printing operations face significant operational challenges when this vulnerability is exploited, as unauthorized reboot cycles can interrupt critical print jobs, disrupt document workflows, and potentially cause data loss. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation controls. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the repeated system resets can be used to disrupt network operations while attackers establish persistence or conduct reconnaissance activities. This aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category, which covers network denial of service attacks that can be used to disrupt business operations and create opportunities for additional compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as the issue affects specific firmware versions that likely contain patches or improved input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical printing infrastructure from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary administrative web interfaces, implementing strict access controls through firewall rules, and monitoring network traffic for unusual reboot patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular firmware updates and security assessments for embedded network devices, as these systems often receive limited security attention compared to traditional computing platforms. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader embedded system security reviews, particularly focusing on input validation mechanisms and buffer management practices that are fundamental to preventing such exploitation vectors.