CVE-2016-4325 in xPrintServer
Summary
by MITRE
Lantronix xPrintServer devices with firmware before 5.0.1-65 have hardcoded credentials, which allows remote attackers to obtain root access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The Lantronix xPrintServer series represents a family of network printing solutions that facilitate communication between print devices and networked environments. These devices operate as print servers, managing print jobs and providing network connectivity for various printer models. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2016-4325 specifically affects firmware versions prior to 5.0.1-65, creating a critical security weakness that compromises the integrity of the entire printing infrastructure. This flaw manifests through the presence of hardcoded credentials within the device firmware, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of static username and password combinations within the device firmware itself, rather than generating dynamic credentials during installation or operation. These hardcoded credentials are typically embedded in the device's code during the manufacturing process and remain unchanged throughout the device's operational lifecycle. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the predictable authentication credentials to establish administrative sessions with root privileges, effectively bypassing all normal authentication mechanisms. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface may encompass multiple access points including network interfaces, web management portals, or direct device communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating a comprehensive security breach that allows attackers to assume complete control over affected devices. Once root access is obtained, adversaries can modify device configurations, install malicious software, redirect print jobs, or use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. The compromised devices become potential entry points for lateral movement within enterprise networks, particularly in environments where print servers serve as critical infrastructure components.
Organizations utilizing Lantronix xPrintServer devices should immediately implement firmware updates to version 5.0.1-65 or later, which address this hardcoded credential vulnerability. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to isolate print server devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits of networked printing infrastructure should include verification of firmware versions and credential management practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential management and the dangers of embedded authentication mechanisms that cannot be modified or updated. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized access attempts to print server management interfaces, particularly those exhibiting patterns consistent with credential brute force or dictionary attacks. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of implementing robust device lifecycle management practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential issues across all networked devices.