CVE-2018-20770 in WorkCentre
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Xerox WorkCentre 3655, 3655i, 58XX, 58XXi, 59XX, 59XXi, 6655, 6655i, 72XX, 72XXi, 78XX, 78XXi, 7970, 7970i, EC7836, and EC7856 devices before R18-05 073.xxx.0487.15000. There is Blind SQL Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical blind sql injection flaw affecting multiple xerox workcentre multifunction devices across several model series. The issue exists within the web-based management interface of these devices and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a wide range of xerox devices including models 3655, 58xx, 59xx, 6655, 72xx, 78xx, 7970, ec7836, and ec7856, spanning multiple generations of office equipment. The flaw is present in firmware versions prior to r18-05 073.xxx.0487.15000, indicating this was a persistent issue across several firmware releases that required specific patching to resolve.
The technical implementation of this blind sql injection vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the device's web interface components. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to the device's sql database queries, enabling them to extract information from the underlying database through timing attacks or conditional responses. This type of injection allows adversaries to infer database structure and contents without direct data retrieval, making the attack more subtle and harder to detect. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how embedded systems in office equipment can contain significant security gaps that persist across hardware generations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations utilizing these xerox devices, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive information stored within the device's database. This includes user credentials, device configuration details, network settings, and potentially other confidential data that may be stored in the device's local storage. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to device management functions, potentially allowing attackers to modify device settings, create new user accounts, or even exfiltrate data from the device. Given that these are multifunction devices commonly found in corporate environments, the attack surface extends beyond simple device compromise to include potential lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage weak input validation to achieve unauthorized data access and system manipulation.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability, ensuring all affected xerox workcentre devices are patched to versions equal to or newer than r18-05 073.xxx.0487.15000. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, and access controls should be enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or network traffic that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for all networked devices and the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded systems in office environments where traditional security controls may not be sufficient to protect against such attacks.