CVE-2019-14301 in SP C250DN
Summary
by MITRE
Ricoh SP C250DN 1.06 devices have Incorrect Access Control (issue 1 of 2).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The Ricoh SP C250DN multifunction printer device running firmware version 1.06 contains a critical access control vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain elevated privileges within the device's administrative interface. This vulnerability represents a significant security weakness in the device's privilege management system, where proper access controls are not enforced during administrative operations. The issue stems from insufficient validation of user credentials and session management within the printer's web-based management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges without proper authorization.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw enables an attacker to perform administrative functions such as changing system configurations, modifying user accounts, accessing confidential data, and potentially gaining persistent access to the device. The vulnerability exists because the device fails to properly validate whether a user has adequate privileges before executing sensitive operations, allowing low-privilege users to escalate their access level through manipulation of authentication tokens or direct API calls to administrative endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete compromise of the multifunction device and potentially the broader network infrastructure it connects to. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can modify the device's configuration settings, install malicious firmware, redirect print jobs to unauthorized destinations, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The device's network connectivity and integration with corporate systems amplify the potential damage, as it may serve as a gateway for lateral movement or as a source of persistent access to sensitive corporate data. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where printers are often connected to internal networks and may be used as entry points for broader security breaches.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from Ricoh to address the access control flaw, network segmentation to isolate critical devices, and implementation of network access controls to restrict communication with the affected device. The device should be configured with strong authentication mechanisms and regular monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices and ensure that proper access control mechanisms are in place across the entire infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and following security best practices for networked devices, as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards.