CVE-2006-6471 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 use weak permissions for certain files, which allows unspecified file access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6471 affects Xerox WorkCentre and WorkCentre Pro multifunction devices across multiple software versions, specifically targeting systems 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 issue stems from the implementation of weak file permissions within the device's operating system, creating a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data stored on these devices. The affected devices are widely deployed in enterprise environments where they handle confidential documents and network communications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient access control mechanisms implemented in the file system permissions of these multifunction devices. Weak permissions allow unauthorized users to access files that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive information including user credentials, configuration files, and document processing data. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on resources. The weak file permissions create a path for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access that could be exploited by both internal and external threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate device configurations, extract sensitive information, or establish persistent access points within network environments. Multifunction devices serve as critical nodes in office networks, often acting as gateways for document management, printing, scanning, and faxing operations. When these devices contain files with weak permissions, they become potential entry points for attackers seeking to compromise broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability's unspecified nature suggests that the exact scope of accessible files and data remains unclear, which compounds the risk as attackers can explore various file types and system components to identify valuable targets.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating affected devices to the patched firmware versions mentioned in the advisory, typically 12.050.03.000, 13.050.03.000, and 14.050.03.000 respectively. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, and access controls should be enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify any remaining devices with weak permissions, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 which involves exploitation of weak permissions and access controls. The remediation process should include comprehensive file permission reviews and the implementation of principle of least privilege access controls to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.