CVE-2018-14903 in WF-2750
Summary
by MITRE
EPSON WF-2750 printers with firmware JP02I2 do not properly validate files before running updates, which allows remote attackers to cause a printer malfunction or send malicious data to the printer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2020
The CVE-2018-14903 vulnerability affects EPSON WF-2750 wireless multifunction printers running firmware version JP02I2, representing a critical security flaw in printer firmware update mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during the firmware update process, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the device's update functionality. The flaw exists within the printer's固件更新验证逻辑, where it fails to properly authenticate or sanitize firmware images before executing installations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to manipulate the printer's operational state without physical access to the device, leveraging network connectivity to compromise the printer's integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the printer's firmware update handler accepting unsigned or unverified firmware packages without proper cryptographic verification or integrity checks. Attackers can potentially craft malicious firmware updates that, when installed, could cause the printer to malfunction or execute unintended operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of firmware security and network protocol handling, where the printer's update mechanism lacks proper validation controls that would normally be present in secure firmware update systems. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a failure to implement proper security controls during firmware installation processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security and printer functionality. Remote attackers could potentially cause denial of service conditions by installing corrupted firmware, leading to complete printer incapacitation. Additionally, the malicious data injection capability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands or manipulate print jobs, potentially leading to data exfiltration or further network compromise. The vulnerability impacts organizations that rely on these printers for business operations, as compromised devices could serve as entry points for broader network attacks or provide attackers with opportunities to monitor print jobs containing sensitive information. The attack surface extends beyond simple printer compromise to include potential lateral movement within corporate networks where these devices are connected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14903 should focus on immediate firmware updates from EPSON, implementing network segmentation to isolate affected printers, and monitoring for unauthorized firmware update activities. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services on affected devices and implementing network access controls to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure firmware update mechanisms and proper input validation in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through firmware manipulation. Network administrators should establish baseline configurations for printer firmware and regularly audit update processes to detect anomalous behavior. Given the nature of the vulnerability, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual firmware update patterns or unauthorized access attempts becomes crucial for maintaining printer security posture. The incident highlights the need for robust supply chain security measures and proper firmware integrity verification processes that should be implemented across all network-connected devices.