CVE-2018-0689 in EP-979A3
Summary
by MITRE
HTTP header injection 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) may allow a remote attackers to lead a user to a phishing site or execute an arbitrary script on the user's web browser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0689 represents a critical HTTP header injection flaw affecting numerous SEIKO EPSON printer and scanner models, with specific firmware versions released before designated dates. This vulnerability resides in the web interface implementation of these devices, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject malicious HTTP headers into responses sent to web browsers. The issue stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the device's HTTP server component, which processes requests from web clients. According to CWE-113, this vulnerability maps directly to improper neutralization of input during web header processing, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate HTTP responses and potentially redirect users to malicious sites or execute arbitrary scripts. The affected devices operate with embedded web servers that handle HTTP requests from network clients, making them susceptible to this class of attack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious header data that gets processed and returned in the server's response without proper sanitization. Attackers can inject headers such as location, content-type, or other HTTP response headers that may cause browsers to redirect users to phishing sites or execute malicious JavaScript code within the browser context. This injection can occur through various input points including form fields, URL parameters, or HTTP headers sent by the client to the device's web interface. The impact extends beyond simple redirection since the injected headers can manipulate browser behavior in ways that allow for cross-site scripting attacks, session hijacking, or credential theft. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the devices and can exploit it over the network from any location with connectivity to the affected equipment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0689 is significant for organizations relying on EPSON printers and scanners, particularly in enterprise environments where these devices are connected to internal networks. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by threat actors to establish footholds within network environments, potentially leading to broader compromise of connected systems. In healthcare, financial, or government organizations, this vulnerability could enable attackers to intercept sensitive data transmitted through these devices or use them as stepping stones for lateral movement within the network. The attack surface is further expanded because many of these devices are accessible from both internal networks and external interfaces, especially in environments where remote management capabilities are enabled. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it allows for remote exploitation and potential command execution through web-based attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from EPSON to address the vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns. The most effective defense involves applying the vendor-provided security patches that correct the input validation flaws in the web server implementations. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, particularly looking for unusual header injection patterns or requests containing malicious content. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched devices within the organization's infrastructure, as the vulnerability affects a wide range of printer and scanner models across multiple product lines. Additionally, network access controls should be enforced to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation attempts.