CVE-2018-10123 in iopsys
Summary
by MITRE
p910nd on Inteno IOPSYS 2.0 through 4.2.0 allows remote attackers to read, or append data to, arbitrary files via requests on TCP port 9100.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10123 affects p910nd versions running on Inteno IOPSYS operating systems from version 2.0 through 4.2.0. This represents a critical security flaw in the printer daemon implementation that handles print jobs over TCP port 9100. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the network service that processes incoming print requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized file operations on the underlying system, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or modifying system files. The vulnerability exists because the service fails to properly sanitize user input when processing network requests, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access permissions through crafted network packets. This flaw particularly affects networked printing environments where the p910nd service is enabled and listening on the standard port 9100, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on networked printing infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the service's failure to validate file paths in print job requests, creating a path traversal condition that enables attackers to specify arbitrary file locations for reading or appending data. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the service is accessible from external networks. When legitimate print requests are processed, the service does not properly validate the file paths specified in the network packets, allowing attackers to manipulate the target file locations through specially crafted requests. This weakness aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, both of which describe vulnerabilities where untrusted input is used to access files or directories without proper validation. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the service operates on a well-known port, making it easily discoverable by automated scanning tools and increasing the likelihood of exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise the integrity of the entire system. Organizations using affected IOPSYS versions may experience data breaches, system corruption, or unauthorized modification of critical system files through this vulnerability. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this flaw from anywhere on the network, potentially leading to persistent access and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through unauthorized data reading, integrity through arbitrary file appending, and availability through potential system disruption. The flaw can also be leveraged in conjunction with other attacks, such as privilege escalation techniques or as part of a broader exploitation chain targeting networked devices. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through network service exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10123 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, network segmentation to isolate vulnerable services, and implementation of access controls to restrict network access to port 9100. Organizations should update their IOPSYS firmware to versions that address this vulnerability, as provided by Inteno or through alternative security patches. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block external access to TCP port 9100 unless absolutely necessary, and consider disabling the p910nd service entirely if network printing is not required. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns on port 9100, conducting regular vulnerability assessments of networked printing infrastructure, and establishing proper access controls for system administration. The remediation process should also include reviewing system logs for evidence of exploitation attempts and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and disabling unnecessary network services to reduce the overall attack surface. Given the nature of the vulnerability, a comprehensive security audit of all networked devices running affected software is recommended to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the enterprise infrastructure.