CVE-2018-14904 in Syncthru Web Service
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung Syncthru Web Service V4.05.61 is vulnerable to Multiple unauthenticated XSS attacks on several parameters, as demonstrated by ruiFw_pid.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14904 affects Samsung Syncthru Web Service version 4.05.61 and represents a critical security flaw that enables multiple unauthenticated cross-site scripting attacks across various parameters within the web interface. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the ruiFw_pid parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application. The Syncthru Web Service is a component designed to facilitate remote printing and device management capabilities, making it a critical element in enterprise network environments where multiple users interact with shared printing infrastructure. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web service's parameter handling logic, allowing attackers to bypass authentication requirements and execute malicious code within the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious payloads targeting the ruiFw_pid parameter and other affected parameters within the Syncthru Web Service interface. These payloads can contain script code that executes in the victim's browser when the vulnerable page is accessed, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input data, which directly maps to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, a fundamental web application security weakness that has been consistently ranked among the top security risks in the OWASP Top Ten. The lack of proper input validation and output encoding means that the service fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers, creating a persistent vector for malicious script injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing Samsung printers with Syncthru Web Service enabled become vulnerable to unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate print jobs, access sensitive documents, or use the compromised service as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no valid credentials are required to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the XSS capability to execute malicious PowerShell commands through browser-based interfaces, and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, if the compromised system is used to establish command and control communications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of Samsung Syncthru Web Service where the vulnerability has been patched, applying network segmentation to restrict access to the web service interface, and implementing proper input validation controls at the application level. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security testing and input validation in web applications, particularly in enterprise-grade devices that serve as network entry points. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these parameters, while conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices and services. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date firmware and software versions, as well as implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against various attack vectors targeting networked printing infrastructure.