CVE-2018-16656 in TASKalfa 4002i
Summary
by MITRE
DoBox_CstmBox_Info.model.htm on Kyocera TASKalfa 4002i and 6002i devices allows remote attackers to read the documents of arbitrary users via a modified HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16656 affects Kyocera TASKalfa 4002i and 6002i multifunction devices, representing a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive user documents. This issue resides within the DoBox_CstmBox_Info.model.htm component, which serves as a web interface for managing custom document boxes within the device's web-based management system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls that fail to properly authenticate and authorize requests for document retrieval, allowing malicious actors to manipulate HTTP requests and gain unauthorized access to arbitrary user data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and access control bypass scenario, where attackers can modify HTTP request parameters to access documents belonging to other users within the same system. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the device's web interface to exploit weak session management and insufficient authorization checks. The vulnerability specifically affects the document management functionality where users can store and retrieve documents through the custom box feature, making it particularly dangerous for environments where sensitive corporate or personal information is processed through these devices. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in authorization mechanisms and improper access control, categorized under CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations relying on these devices for document management and printing services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access confidential business documents, personal files, and potentially sensitive data that should remain isolated to specific user accounts. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the devices or network presence, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these multifunction devices are often connected to internal networks and may have access to sensitive corporate resources. This vulnerability can facilitate broader attacks including data exfiltration, identity theft, and potential lateral movement within networks where these devices are integrated into document workflows.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from Kyocera, which typically address authentication and authorization flaws in web interfaces. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices from untrusted networks, while also ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the web management interfaces. Additional security measures include enabling strong authentication mechanisms, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring web interface access logs for suspicious activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1041 Exfiltration, as attackers can leverage legitimate user accounts to access documents and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other networked devices and systems, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in device management and access control implementations.