CVE-2006-6438 in WorkCentre
Summary
by MITRE
Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro before 12.050.03.000, 13.x before 13.050.03.000, and 14.x before 14.050.03.000 leaves sensitive user data in http.log after an Immediate Image Overwrite (IIO), which allows local users to obtain the data by reading the http.log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6438 affects Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro multifunction devices running specific firmware versions. This security flaw represents a critical data exposure issue that occurs during the Immediate Image Overwrite (IIO) process, where sensitive user information remains accessible through log file manipulation. The affected versions include all releases before 12.050.03.000, 13.x before 13.050.03.000, and 14.x before 14.050.03.000, indicating a widespread issue across multiple product generations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the device's logging mechanisms, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers.
The technical flaw manifests when the IIO function processes user requests, particularly those involving document scanning or printing operations that require authentication. During this process, the device writes sensitive user information to the http.log file, which is not properly sanitized or cleared after the operation completes. This logging behavior violates fundamental security principles for handling sensitive data, as it creates an accessible repository of user credentials, document contents, and other confidential information. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which describes improper handling of sensitive information, and CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through log files. The flaw exists because the device's logging mechanism does not implement proper data sanitization or access controls for sensitive information, leaving it exposed to any local user with read access to the http.log file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Xerox multifunction devices for document management and printing services. Local attackers with access to the device can readily extract sensitive information including user authentication details, document contents, and potentially personal identification information. This creates a substantial risk for corporate environments where multiple users share the same device, as any individual with local access can potentially compromise the data of other users. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where security policies require strict data isolation and where compliance regulations mandate protection of sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential identity theft, corporate espionage, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and legal consequences for affected organizations.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading affected devices to firmware versions 12.050.03.000, 13.050.03.000, or 14.050.03.000, respectively, which contain the necessary patches to properly handle sensitive data during IIO operations. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file access controls on the http.log file, ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate system administration duties can access these logs. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to device log files, while regular security audits should verify that sensitive data is not being improperly logged. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing the principle of least privilege and proper access controls as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access techniques, where local access to sensitive information can lead to broader system compromise.