CVE-2019-13172 in Phaser 3320
Summary
by MITRE
Some Xerox printers (such as the Phaser 3320 V53.006.16.000) were affected by a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Authentication Cookie of the web application that would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13172 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the web application interface of certain Xerox printer models including the Phaser 3320 V53.006.16.000. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the authentication cookie handling process of the device's web-based management interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes authentication cookies that exceed predetermined buffer size limits, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected devices. The vulnerability resides in the printer's embedded web server implementation, which fails to properly sanitize or validate cookie data before processing it within fixed-size memory buffers.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability follows established patterns that align with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of networked printing devices, this vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into the printer's memory space through crafted authentication cookies. The web application interface of these Xerox devices typically processes authentication tokens to verify user credentials, but the insufficient input validation means that oversized cookie data can overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or executable code segments within the device's memory layout. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing full device compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete device takeover capabilities that could affect enterprise printing infrastructure. Organizations relying on these affected Xerox printers face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized printing operations, and the possibility of using compromised devices as stepping stones for lateral movement within corporate networks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, modify print job processing, or redirect sensitive documents to unauthorized recipients. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries need only access to the network where these devices reside to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation. Additionally, the embedded nature of these vulnerabilities within printer firmware creates challenges for remediation, as traditional software patching mechanisms may not be readily available or applicable to the device's specific implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13172 should encompass both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected printers from critical systems and limit the potential attack surface. Network access controls should be configured to restrict web interface access to authorized administrative workstations only, while disabling unnecessary services such as the web server if they are not required for operations. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous authentication cookie patterns or unusual traffic to printer web interfaces can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Device firmware updates from Xerox should be applied immediately upon availability, as these patches typically address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, indicating the need for defensive measures targeting both network-based and endpoint-based attack vectors. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of printer infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices within the organization's attack surface.