CVE-2018-17172 in AltaLink B80xx
Summary
by MITRE
The web application on Xerox AltaLink B80xx before 100.008.028.05200, C8030/C8035 before 100.001.028.05200, C8045/C8055 before 100.002.028.05200, and C8070 before 100.003.028.05200 allows unauthenticated command injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17172 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting multiple Xerox AltaLink multifunction devices within specific firmware versions. This security weakness exists in the web application interface of these devices, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary commands without requiring authentication credentials. The affected models include the B80xx series and various C80xx series devices, each operating under distinct firmware version thresholds that define the vulnerable range. This command injection vulnerability fundamentally compromises the device's security posture by allowing unauthorized users to gain system-level access and potentially execute malicious code on the affected hardware.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's parameter handling mechanisms. When user-supplied data is processed through the device's web interface, insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed by the underlying operating system. This flaw operates at the application layer and directly violates the principle of least privilege by enabling arbitrary code execution without proper authentication. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection weakness under CWE-77, which specifically addresses situations where user-controllable input is used to construct system commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters, form fields, or API endpoints that interface with system commands, making the exploitation surface quite broad within the web application framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform comprehensive system compromise operations. Once exploited, malicious actors can gain complete control over the affected devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or use of the compromised devices as stepping stones for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature makes it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior credentials or access privileges to exploit. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078.004, covering cloud service account compromise, as the compromised device could serve as an entry point for lateral movement. Organizations running these vulnerable devices face significant risk of unauthorized device manipulation, potential data breaches, and disruption of critical business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the latest supported versions that address the command injection flaw. Xerox has released patches specifically targeting these affected models, and administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across all vulnerable devices. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components of the Xerox product line. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure that the security patch does not negatively impact device functionality or network operations.