CVE-2015-1056 in MFC-J4410DW
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Brother MFC-J4410DW printer with firmware before L allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the url parameter to general/status.html and possibly other pages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The CVE-2015-1056 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Brother MFC-J4410DW multifunction printers running firmware versions prior to L. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the device, specifically targeting the general/status.html page and potentially other web-accessible endpoints. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts by manipulating the url parameter, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the printer's web server implementation, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into HTML responses without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms.
This XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages viewed by other users. The attack vector specifically targets the printer's web interface, which is accessible over the network and typically configured with default credentials or weak authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the printer's status page which displays information about the device's operational state, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to manipulate device status information or redirect users to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as the attacker can potentially harvest session cookies, modify device configuration, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate due to the printer's trusted domain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for enterprise environments where network printers serve as entry points for attackers. Organizations using the affected Brother MFC-J4410DW models may experience unauthorized access to sensitive printer configurations, potential data exfiltration through manipulated status pages, and the possibility of establishing persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the printer's network interface, which often occurs through default credentials, weak authentication, or unpatched network services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1566 for credential access through network service exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network printers are not properly segmented from critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1056 require immediate firmware updates from Brother to address the input validation deficiencies. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate printer devices from critical network segments, and access controls should be enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should disable unnecessary web interfaces on network printers and implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of networked devices including printers should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to default credentials and weak authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all networked devices, as many organizations fail to patch embedded systems that are often overlooked in traditional security management processes.