CVE-2019-13170 in Phaser 3320
Summary
by MITRE
Some Xerox printers (such as the Phaser 3320 V53.006.16.000) did not implement any mechanism to avoid CSRF attacks. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the takeover of a local account on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13170 represents a critical security flaw in certain Xerox printer models including the Phaser 3320 V53.006.16.000 which lacks proper Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms. This absence of CSRF mitigation allows attackers to exploit the device's web interface and potentially gain unauthorized control over local user accounts. The flaw exists within the printer's web-based management interface where authentication checks are insufficient to prevent malicious requests from being executed on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability stems from the printer's failure to implement anti-CSRF tokens or similar protective measures that would validate the authenticity of requests originating from legitimate administrative sessions. This weakness creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can craft specially crafted requests that, when executed by an authenticated user, could modify printer settings, add new user accounts, or alter system configurations. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as successful exploitation can result in persistent unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions, potentially allowing for further network infiltration or data exfiltration activities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. This classification indicates that the vulnerability exists in the printer's web interface implementation where proper validation of request origins and authenticity cannot be established. The attack vector typically involves an attacker convincing a legitimate user to visit a malicious website or click on a compromised link that contains embedded requests targeting the vulnerable printer's administrative interface. The printer's lack of CSRF protection mechanisms means that when such requests are executed, they are processed without proper verification of their source, allowing unauthorized modifications to occur. This flaw is particularly concerning because it affects networked printer devices that often have elevated privileges within corporate networks, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points or move laterally within network environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13170 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential disruption of critical printing services and compromise of sensitive data. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can modify printer configurations, potentially redirecting print jobs to unauthorized destinations or disabling critical functions. The local account takeover capability means that attackers can establish persistent access to the device, potentially using it as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Xerox printers are commonly deployed as part of document management systems, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized administrative control over these devices. The risk is amplified by the fact that many organizations do not regularly update printer firmware, leaving these devices vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods. Additionally, the compromised printer can be used to conduct reconnaissance activities, monitor print jobs, or serve as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13170 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Xerox printer firmware to versions that include proper CSRF protection mechanisms, which typically involve implementing anti-CSRF tokens or similar validation methods. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate printer devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Access controls should be strengthened by ensuring that only authorized personnel can access printer administrative interfaces, and by implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in printer communications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security policies should be updated to include regular firmware updates for all networked devices, with particular attention to printer models that lack built-in CSRF protection. The implementation of network access controls and firewall rules can help restrict access to printer administrative interfaces to only trusted IP addresses and users. Organizations should also consider implementing device management solutions that can automatically detect and remediate vulnerable devices within their network infrastructure, ensuring that all printer models are properly maintained and updated against known vulnerabilities.