CVE-2017-14386 in 2335dn
Summary
by MITRE
The web user interface of Dell 2335dn and 2355dn Multifunction Laser Printers, firmware versions prior to V2.70.06.26 A13 and V2.70.45.34 A10 respectively, are affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code in the user's browser session in the context of the affected website.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14386 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web user interface of Dell 2335dn and 2355dn multifunction laser printers. This security weakness resides in the printer's embedded web server component that handles user interactions through a graphical interface. The affected firmware versions demonstrate a failure to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious code into the printer's web interface. The vulnerability manifests when users interact with the printer's web management portal, where unfiltered input is directly rendered in the browser context without adequate security controls. This flaw specifically impacts printer models that utilize firmware versions prior to V2.70.06.26 A13 for the 2335dn model and V2.70.45.34 A10 for the 2355dn model, indicating that these particular firmware releases contained the necessary security patches to mitigate the issue.
The technical implementation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the printer's web interface code. When users submit data through various web forms or parameters within the printer's management portal, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing or displaying them. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious payloads containing HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed within the victim's browser session. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server component of the printer's firmware, making it accessible through standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a common web application vulnerability involving improper validation of user-supplied data. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within the publicly accessible web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by remote attackers without physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, presenting significant risks to enterprise network security and user privacy. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive printer configurations, manipulate print jobs, or use the compromised interface as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The compromised browser session could enable attackers to access administrative functions, modify printer settings, or even exfiltrate data from the network through the printer's connection. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats, as the compromised interface might remain undetected for extended periods. This weakness particularly affects organizations using these printer models in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not adequately protect against lateral movement through compromised peripheral devices. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1071 which addresses application layer protocol usage, both of which can be facilitated through the exploitation of such web interface vulnerabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability, specifically upgrading to firmware versions V2.70.06.26 A13 for 2335dn models and V2.70.45.34 A10 for 2355dn models. The update process should be conducted during maintenance windows to minimize operational disruption while ensuring all affected devices receive the necessary security patches. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring of printer web interfaces for suspicious activity and consider implementing network segmentation strategies that isolate printer management interfaces from critical network segments. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected printer models within their environment and establish baseline configurations that disable unnecessary web services. Regular security audits should include verification of firmware versions and implementation of security hardening measures such as disabling unused web interface features, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and implementing proper network access controls. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices for managing IoT device security and should include ongoing vulnerability management processes to ensure continued protection against similar threats in the future.