CVE-2019-18630 in AltaLink B8045
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2021
On Xerox AltaLink B8045/B8055/B8065/B8075/B8090 and C8030/C8035/C8045/C8055/C8070 multifunction printers with software releases before 101.00x.099.28200, portions of the drive containing executable code were not encrypted thus leaving it open to potential cryptographic information disclosure.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18630 affects a series of multifunction printers manufactured by Xerox, specifically the AltaLink B8045/B8055/B8065/B8075/B8090 and C8030/C8035/C8045/C8055/C8070 models. These devices operate with firmware versions prior to 101.00x.099.28200, creating a significant security weakness that impacts the overall integrity of the device's cryptographic protection mechanisms. The flaw resides in the improper implementation of encryption protocols within the printer's firmware architecture, specifically affecting the drive sections that contain executable code components.
This technical deficiency represents a direct violation of cryptographic best practices and falls under the category of improper encryption implementation as classified by CWE-327. The vulnerability creates an information disclosure risk where executable code stored on the device's storage media remains unencrypted, potentially exposing sensitive operational data and system internals to unauthorized parties. The lack of proper encryption for executable code components means that any attacker with physical access to the device or those capable of performing firmware analysis could potentially extract and analyze the binary code, revealing implementation details, hardcoded credentials, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats and privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could potentially modify the unencrypted executable code to inject malicious payloads, thereby compromising the printer's integrity and potentially using it as a foothold for network infiltration. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multifunction printers often serve as entry points for broader network attacks, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases. The vulnerability essentially undermines the device's security boundary, allowing unauthorized modifications to core system components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates to the latest available versions that properly encrypt all executable code components. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit physical access to these devices, while regular security assessments should monitor for unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust cryptographic practices in embedded systems, as recommended by NIST SP 800-126 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to firmware components, particularly in high-security environments where the compromise of multifunction printers could lead to significant data breaches or operational disruptions.