CVE-2018-0688 in EP-979A3
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in SEIKO EPSON printers and scanners (DS-570W firmware versions released prior to 2018 March 13, DS-780N firmware versions released prior to 2018 March 13, EP-10VA firmware versions released prior to 2017 September 4, EP-30VA firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 19, EP-707A firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 1, EP-708A firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 7, EP-709A firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 12, EP-777A firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 1, EP-807AB/AW/AR firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 1, EP-808AB/AW/AR firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 7, EP-879AB/AW/AR firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 12, EP-907F firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 1, EP-977A3 firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 1, EP-978A3 firmware versions released prior to 2017 August 7, EP-979A3 firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 12, EP-M570T firmware versions released prior to 2017 September 6, EW-M5071FT firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 2, EW-M660FT firmware versions released prior to 2018 April 19, EW-M770T firmware versions released prior to 2017 September 6, PF-70 firmware versions released prior to 2018 April 20, PF-71 firmware versions released prior to 2017 July 18, PF-81 firmware versions released prior to 2017 September 14, PX-048A firmware versions released prior to 2017 July 4, PX-049A firmware versions released prior to 2017 September 11, PX-437A firmware versions released prior to 2017 July 24, PX-M350F firmware versions released prior to 2018 February 23, PX-M5040F firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 20, PX-M5041F firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 20, PX-M650A firmware versions released prior to 2017 October 17, PX-M650F firmware versions released prior to 2017 October 17, PX-M680F firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 29, PX-M7050F firmware versions released prior to 2017 October 13, PX-M7050FP firmware versions released prior to 2017 October 13, PX-M7050FX firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 7, PX-M7070FX firmware versions released prior to 2017 April 27, PX-M740F firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 4, PX-M741F firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 4, PX-M780F firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 29, PX-M781F firmware versions released prior to 2017 June 27, PX-M840F firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 16, PX-M840FX firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 8, PX-M860F firmware versions released prior to 2017 October 25, PX-S05B/W firmware versions released prior to 2018 March 9, PX-S350 firmware versions released prior to 2018 February 23, PX-S5040 firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 20, PX-S7050 firmware versions released prior to 2018 February 21, PX-S7050PS firmware versions released prior to 2018 February 21, PX-S7050X firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 7, PX-S7070X firmware versions released prior to 2017 April 27, PX-S740 firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 3, PX-S840 firmware versions released prior to 2017 November 16, PX-S840X firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 8, PX-S860 firmware versions released prior to 2017 December 7) allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the web interface of the affected product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The CVE-2018-0688 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw discovered in various SEIKO EPSON printer and scanner models, specifically targeting firmware versions released before designated dates in 2017 and 2018. This vulnerability resides within the web interface components of these devices, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate user navigation and potentially execute sophisticated social engineering campaigns. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, redirect them to attacker-controlled domains while maintaining the appearance of legitimate device interfaces. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-601, which classifies open redirect vulnerabilities as security weaknesses that can be exploited to redirect users to malicious websites. The operational impact extends beyond simple phishing attempts, as these devices often serve as critical components in corporate networks where users may trust the device interfaces implicitly, making them prime targets for advanced persistent threats and credential harvesting operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web application layer of EPSON devices, where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized before being used to construct redirect URLs. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating URL parameters that control navigation within the device's web interface, causing the device to redirect users to arbitrary web addresses without proper authorization checks. This flaw operates at the application level and can be leveraged through web-based attacks targeting the device's HTTP interface, typically accessible over standard ports such as 80 or 443. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566, which covers "Phishing for Information" through web-based attacks, and T1584, which involves "Compromise of Web Applications" for initial access vectors. The affected device models span multiple product lines including network scanners, multifunction devices, and specialized printers, indicating a widespread impact across EPSON's embedded web interface implementations.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to enterprise environments where these devices are commonly deployed, as they often lack robust network segmentation and may be accessible from multiple network zones. Organizations utilizing these devices face heightened risk of credential theft, malware distribution, and network reconnaissance activities when attackers leverage the open redirect capability to redirect users to malicious domains. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where device management interfaces are not properly secured or monitored. Network administrators should consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to device web interfaces, particularly from untrusted networks, while also ensuring that all affected devices are updated to patched firmware versions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in embedded web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can create significant security risks in networked devices. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement immediate remediation measures, including firmware updates and network access controls, to prevent exploitation attempts.