CVE-2019-13206 in ECOSYS M5526cdw
Summary
by MITRE
Some Kyocera printers (such as the ECOSYS M5526cdw 2R7_2000.001.701) were affected by a buffer overflow vulnerability in multiple parameters of the Document Boxes functionality of the web application that would allow an authenticated attacker to perform a Denial of Service attack, crashing the device, or potentially execute arbitrary code on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-13206 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw discovered in Kyocera printer models including the ECOSYS M5526cdw, specifically within the Document Boxes functionality of the web application interface. This issue affects devices running firmware versions 2R7_2000.001.701 and potentially other variants within the same product line. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted inputs can exceed allocated memory buffers and overwrite adjacent memory regions. The affected functionality resides in the Document Boxes component which manages document processing and storage operations within the printer's web interface, making it a prime target for exploitation by attackers who can manipulate various parameters through the network-accessible web application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who has valid credentials to access the printer's web management interface. The buffer overflow occurs when processing multiple parameters related to document box operations, allowing an attacker to inject excessive data that overflows the allocated buffer space. This memory corruption can potentially lead to two distinct outcomes depending on the attack vector and system state. The primary impact manifests as a denial of service condition where the device becomes unresponsive and crashes, requiring manual intervention for recovery. However, under specific circumstances, the overflow could enable arbitrary code execution, providing attackers with complete control over the affected device. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, covering heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, demonstrating the severity of the memory corruption issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13206 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire printer infrastructure and surrounding network environment. When exploited for denial of service, the vulnerability can cause significant business interruption as critical printing operations become unavailable, affecting document processing workflows and potentially impacting productivity across multiple departments. The potential for arbitrary code execution introduces additional security concerns, as compromised printers could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, especially in environments where printers are connected to sensitive internal networks. Attackers could leverage the compromised device to establish persistent access, monitor network traffic, or use the printer as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Kyocera printers for document management, particularly those in regulated industries where printer security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13206 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Kyocera, as the vendor likely released patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure, restricting access to printer web interfaces to authorized personnel only through proper authentication mechanisms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include evaluation of printer firmware versions and web application configurations to identify unpatched devices. The implementation of network monitoring tools can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, while logging and audit trails should be enabled to track access patterns and potential security incidents. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web services and ports on affected devices, implementing strong credential policies, and maintaining detailed inventories of all networked printer devices to ensure comprehensive coverage of security updates and monitoring efforts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust network security practices as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's network infiltration and privilege escalation techniques.