CVE-2019-13193 in HL-L8360CDW
Summary
by MITRE
Some Brother printers (such as the HL-L8360CDW v1.20) were affected by a stack buffer overflow vulnerability as the web server did not parse the cookie value properly. This would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13193 represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw affecting certain Brother printer models including the HL-L8360CDW version 1.20. This issue stems from improper cookie value parsing within the embedded web server component of these multifunction devices. The flaw exists in the printer's HTTP server implementation which fails to properly validate and sanitize cookie data before processing, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for remote code execution. The vulnerability manifests when the web server receives malformed cookie values that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and execution pointers.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can hold, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to attackers who can reach the printer's network interface. The embedded nature of the web server in these devices means that the buffer overflow occurs within the printer's firmware, where attackers can potentially inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a significant risk to network security as printers often operate within trusted network segments but can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential network compromise and persistent access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the printer's internal systems, potentially using it as a pivot point to attack other networked devices. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where printers are often connected to internal networks and may have access to sensitive data or network resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers could potentially use the compromised printer to execute commands or establish covert communication channels. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for supply chain security, as it affects devices that are typically considered low-risk network endpoints but can provide unauthorized access to otherwise protected network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13193 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Brother, as the company released patches specifically addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web services on printers when possible, as this reduces the attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of embedded device security and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous network components can serve as critical attack vectors. Regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices, including printers, are essential to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.