CVE-2017-12860 in EasyMP
Summary
by MITRE
The Epson "EasyMP" software (tested on version 2.86) is designed to remotely stream a user's computer to supporting projectors. These devices are authenticated using a unique 4-digit code, displayed on-screen - ensuring only those who can view it are streaming. In addition to the password, each projector (tested on PowerLite Pro G5650W and G6050W) has a hardocded "backdoor" code (2270), which authenticates to all devices.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2019
The CVE-2017-12860 vulnerability resides within Epson's EasyMP software ecosystem, specifically targeting the remote streaming functionality designed for projector control and presentation management. This software operates as a client-server system where user computers stream content to compatible projectors, creating a seamless presentation experience. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in the authentication mechanism where the software employs a 4-digit code displayed on screen for user authentication, while simultaneously maintaining a hardcoded backdoor authentication mechanism. The backdoor code 2270 serves as a universal authentication key that bypasses normal security controls and grants access to all supported projector models including the PowerLite Pro G5650W and G6050W. This design flaw represents a critical security oversight that directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an inherent pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive presentation environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure authentication design where hardcoded credentials are embedded within the software without proper access controls or user verification mechanisms. The 4-digit on-screen code serves as a basic authentication barrier, but the presence of a universal backdoor code of 2270 creates an inherent weakness that allows any attacker with knowledge of this hardcoded value to gain administrative access to all projectors within the network. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials, which is explicitly recognized as a severe security risk by the CWE database. The authentication system fails to implement proper entropy requirements for user-generated codes while simultaneously providing a universally accessible backdoor that eliminates any meaningful security boundary. The software architecture essentially provides a "key that opens all doors" approach to authentication, where the backdoor code acts as a master key that bypasses all other security controls and access restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12860 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to create potential security breaches in corporate, educational, and government environments where presentation systems are commonly deployed. Attackers with knowledge of the hardcoded backdoor code 2270 can remotely control projectors, potentially enabling them to display malicious content, disrupt presentations, or gain access to sensitive information being presented. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where projectors are connected to internal networks, as it provides a persistent access point that attackers can exploit without requiring additional reconnaissance or credential harvesting. The attack surface is significantly expanded because the backdoor code exists in the software itself, making it accessible to anyone who can obtain the software or has knowledge of the hardcoded value. This represents a violation of the principle of defense in depth, as the presence of such a backdoor undermines all other security controls that might otherwise protect the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12860 require immediate action to address the hardcoded authentication mechanism that exists within the EasyMP software. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate projector systems from critical network segments and apply network access controls to restrict communication between projectors and other systems. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or removing the EasyMP software from systems where it is not essential, or implementing network-level firewalls that prevent unauthorized access to projector control ports. System administrators should also consider disabling the backdoor functionality through configuration changes where possible, though this may not be feasible if the backdoor is hardcoded within the software binaries. From a broader security perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and the need for regular security assessments of third-party software components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS, as it involves the exploitation of software protocols designed for legitimate presentation purposes to achieve unauthorized access. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring of network traffic to detect unauthorized projector access attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing presentation system security breaches.