CVE-2008-4040 in Fs 118mfp
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Kyocera Command Center in Kyocera FS-118MFP allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2017
The CVE-2008-4040 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Kyocera Command Center software component of the Kyocera FS-118MFP multifunction printer. This security weakness resides in the web-based management interface that allows administrators and unauthorized users to interact with the device remotely. The vulnerability specifically affects the URI processing mechanism where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user input containing directory traversal sequences. When a malicious actor crafts a URI containing .. (dot dot) sequences, the system interprets these as requests to navigate up directory levels, potentially granting access to sensitive files outside the intended web root directory. The affected Kyocera Command Center component serves as the primary interface for managing printer configurations, user accounts, and system settings, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to administrative functions.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the application layer and stems from inadequate input validation and path traversal protection mechanisms within the web server implementation. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate URI parameters to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted, including configuration files, system logs, and potentially sensitive user data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in web applications and network services. The attack vector requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without prior access credentials. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure to potentially enable privilege escalation and system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the printer's firmware or management interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4040 is significant for organizations relying on Kyocera FS-118MFP devices in their network infrastructure. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information such as printer configuration settings, user credentials stored in configuration files, and potentially system logs that may contain administrative access details. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited from outside the corporate network, particularly when printers are exposed to untrusted networks or when they lack proper network segmentation. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to print job data, user authentication information, and potentially sensitive documents that were processed through the affected device. The implications extend to compliance violations under various data protection regulations, as unauthorized access to sensitive information could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. This vulnerability also enables attackers to gather intelligence about the network topology through system information disclosure, facilitating more sophisticated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4040 should focus on immediate network-level protections combined with proper system hardening measures. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and restrict access to the printer's management interface through firewalls and access control lists. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor patches or firmware updates that address the directory traversal vulnerability in the Kyocera Command Center component. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web services on the printer and implementing strong authentication mechanisms for any remaining access points. Regular security audits should include vulnerability scanning of networked devices to identify similar path traversal weaknesses in other systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1083 for File and Directory Discovery, indicating that attackers may use such vulnerabilities to establish persistence and escalate privileges. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual URI patterns and access attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect networked devices from similar attacks targeting embedded systems and IoT devices.