CVE-2006-5290 in Workcentre 275
Summary
by MITRE
The ESS/ Network Controller and MicroServer Web Server components of Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro 232, 238, 245, 255, 265 and 275 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary code via "WebUI command injection on TCP/IP hostname."
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5290 affects the ESS/Network Controller and MicroServer Web Server components within several Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro models including the 232, 238, 245, 255, 265, and 275 series devices. This represents a critical security flaw that exists within the web-based user interface of these multifunctional printing devices, which are widely deployed in enterprise environments for document management and printing services. The affected devices operate with embedded web servers that handle administrative functions through TCP/IP hostname parameters, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote threat actors without requiring physical access to the devices.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability within the web interface processing logic of these Xerox devices. When the web server processes TCP/IP hostname parameters through the WebUI, it fails to properly sanitize or validate user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed within the device's operating environment. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which describes command injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The injection occurs at the network configuration level where hostname parameters are processed, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for organizations deploying these devices. Remote attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms entirely and gain full administrative control over the affected devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise through these printing devices which often serve as entry points into corporate networks. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution, which could enable attackers to install backdoors, modify device configurations, steal print jobs, or use the devices as launching points for further attacks against network infrastructure. This represents a significant risk in environments where these devices are connected to internal networks, as they may be used as lateral movement vectors by threat actors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as it allows for privilege escalation and persistent access through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate and long-term security measures. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches or firmware updates as soon as they become available, which typically address the input validation issues in the web server component. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Access controls should be strengthened through the use of firewalls and access control lists that restrict direct TCP/IP hostname parameter access to authorized administrative networks only. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns or unusual network traffic originating from these devices. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar injection vulnerabilities in other networked devices, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in embedded systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded web applications, particularly those handling network configuration parameters that can influence system behavior.