CVE-2018-14899 in WF-2750
Summary
by MITRE
On the EPSON WF-2750 printer with firmware JP02I2, the Web interface AirPrint Setup page is vulnerable to HTML Injection that can redirect users to malicious sites.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2020
The CVE-2018-14899 vulnerability affects EPSON WF-2750 multifunction printers running firmware version JP02I2, specifically targeting the web interface's AirPrint Setup page. This issue represents a critical security flaw that demonstrates how embedded web interfaces in IoT devices can become attack vectors for malicious redirection. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the printer's web application, allowing attackers to inject malicious HTML content that can manipulate user navigation. The affected device operates as a network-connected printing solution that provides web-based administrative interfaces for configuration and setup processes, making it a prime target for man-in-the-middle attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through HTML injection attacks that leverage the printer's web interface to redirect users to malicious websites. When users access the AirPrint Setup page, the vulnerable application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly those related to URL redirection mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject HTML code that modifies the page behavior, potentially redirecting users to phishing sites or malware distribution platforms. The flaw falls under CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input in web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding that are commonly found in embedded systems with limited security considerations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within corporate and home networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the printer's web interface to redirect users to malicious sites that may attempt to harvest credentials, distribute malware, or perform further network reconnaissance. The printer's role as a network-accessible device means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement within the network, particularly if users trust the printer's interface and follow the malicious redirects without suspicion. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1189, which covers drive-by compromise through web browsers, and represents a significant risk to network security in environments where printer interfaces are accessible to end users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from EPSON that address the HTML injection vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate printer devices from critical systems, and network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns. The recommended approach involves applying the latest firmware updates that include proper input validation and sanitization measures, while also implementing network access controls that limit access to printer web interfaces to authorized personnel only. Security teams should monitor for unusual network traffic originating from printer devices and consider disabling unnecessary web services when possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing embedded network devices and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in web application code can create significant security risks in IoT environments. Regular security assessments of networked devices and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls remain essential practices for mitigating similar vulnerabilities across enterprise networks.