CVE-2006-6469 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 do not block the postgres port (5432/tcp), which has unknown impact and remote attack vectors, probably related to unauthorized connections to a PostgreSQL daemon.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6469 affects Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro multifunction devices across multiple firmware versions, specifically targeting devices running firmware versions prior to 12.050.03.000, 13.x before 13.050.03.000, and 14.x before 14.050.03.000. This represents a significant security flaw in network device configuration that exposes a critical database port without proper access controls. The affected devices are designed for office environments where they handle sensitive document processing and network communications, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to corporate networks.
The technical flaw stems from improper network security configuration where the PostgreSQL database port 5432/tcp remains accessible from external networks without adequate firewall rules or access controls. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized network entities to establish connections to the PostgreSQL daemon running on these devices, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient network port filtering and access control mechanisms, which is classified as CWE-668 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. The exposure of database ports without proper authorization controls represents a fundamental failure in network security architecture and privilege separation principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network exposure to encompass potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible system compromise. When a PostgreSQL daemon is accessible without proper authentication or network restrictions, attackers can potentially perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion. This risk is particularly concerning in office environments where multifunction devices often process confidential business documents, personal information, and other sensitive data that may be stored in database formats. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into organizational data structures, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks or data exfiltration attempts.
The remote attack vectors available through this vulnerability align with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's network infiltration techniques, where adversaries exploit exposed services to establish initial access points within target networks. The exposure of port 5432/tcp creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until proper network segmentation and access control measures are implemented. Organizations using affected Xerox devices face increased risk of unauthorized database access, which could result in compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper network security configuration and the need for regular security assessments of networked devices in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper network segmentation and firewall rules to block access to the PostgreSQL port from untrusted networks while maintaining necessary internal connectivity. Device administrators should update to the patched firmware versions mentioned in the CVE description, which would include proper port filtering mechanisms. Network security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar exposed services and implement principle of least privilege access controls. Regular network monitoring should be established to detect unauthorized access attempts to database ports, and security policies should be updated to include requirements for proper port configuration on all networked devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of network security configuration management and the potential consequences of leaving default or insecure configurations in place.