CVE-2019-13199 in ECOSYS M5526cdw
Summary
by MITRE
Some Kyocera printers (such as the ECOSYS M5526cdw 2R7_2000.001.701) did not implement any mechanism to avoid CSRF. 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-2019-13199 affects several Kyocera printer models including the ECOSYS M5526cdw with firmware version 2R7_2000.001.701 and potentially other devices in the Kyocera ecosystem. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the complete absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms within the printer's web interface implementation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's administrative interface, which is accessible through standard web protocols and allows for configuration changes and account management operations. When a web application lacks CSRF protection, it becomes susceptible to attacks where an attacker can trick a legitimate user into performing unintended actions without their knowledge or consent. In the context of networked printers, this creates a significant attack surface where unauthorized modifications to device settings can occur.
The technical flaw manifests in the printer's web server implementation which fails to validate the origin of requests made to administrative endpoints. This absence of request validation means that any web request sent to the printer's administrative interface can be executed without proper authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the web interface components that handle administrative functions such as user account management, configuration changes, and system settings modifications. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications where the application fails to validate the source of requests. The lack of CSRF tokens or other validation mechanisms in the printer's web interface creates a fundamental security gap that can be exploited by attackers who understand how to craft malicious requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential full device compromise and network infiltration. An attacker who can successfully exploit this vulnerability can take complete control of local user accounts on the affected printer, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying printer configurations, or using the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where printers often serve as entry points for network reconnaissance and lateral movement. The attack vector typically involves tricking a user into clicking on a malicious link or visiting a compromised website that automatically submits requests to the vulnerable printer. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566 Phishing, where the initial compromise occurs through social engineering or malicious web content delivery. The ability to gain local account takeover through CSRF attacks can lead to persistent access within the network environment and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and should include implementing proper CSRF protection mechanisms on the printer's web interface. Organizations should ensure that all web applications within their network, including networked devices like printers, implement robust CSRF protection through the use of anti-forgery tokens that validate the source of requests. The printer firmware should be updated to the latest available version from Kyocera that includes proper CSRF protection measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit direct access to printer administrative interfaces from untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of networked devices to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other equipment. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual administrative activities or unauthorized configuration changes on networked devices, which could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security best practices to all networked devices, regardless of their perceived complexity or criticality, as even seemingly simple devices like printers can serve as significant attack vectors in comprehensive cyber warfare campaigns.