CVE-2019-6004 in Management Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in ApeosWare Management Suite Ver.1.4.0.18 and earlier, and ApeosWare Management Suite 2 Ver.2.1.2.4 and earlier allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The CVE-2019-6004 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw discovered in the ApeosWare Management Suite versions 1.4.0.18 and earlier, as well as ApeosWare Management Suite 2 versions 2.1.2.4 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-601 classification for URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, which is a well-documented security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate web applications into redirecting users to malicious domains. The vulnerability specifically affects network management interfaces used by Konica Minolta multifunction devices, creating a dangerous attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors targeting enterprise environments. The affected software operates as a web-based management platform that provides administrative access to various device functions, making it a prime target for initial access and reconnaissance activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web application's redirect functionality. Attackers can manipulate specific parameters in the application's URL structure to force legitimate users into being redirected to attacker-controlled websites. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the application's redirect mechanism could be exploited, potentially including authentication redirects, configuration page navigation, or administrative function access points. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who are simply browsing the network. The vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including credential harvesting, malware distribution, and social engineering campaigns that can be executed with high user trust since the initial redirect appears to originate from a legitimate system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it can serve as a foundational vector for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise networks. When users are redirected to malicious sites, they may unknowingly provide credentials to fake authentication portals or download malware that can then be used to establish persistent access to the network. The vulnerability can be particularly effective in targeted attacks against organizations that rely on Konica Minolta devices for document management and printing services, as these systems often contain sensitive corporate information and may be accessed by various personnel. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability is commonly used in the initial compromise phase of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) campaigns, where attackers establish footholds before conducting more extensive reconnaissance and lateral movement activities. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Initial Access category, specifically targeting the T1566.001 technique for credential harvesting through phishing.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching the affected software versions to the latest available releases, which typically include proper input validation and sanitization of redirect parameters. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious redirect traffic, as well as conducting comprehensive network scanning to identify all instances of the vulnerable software. Additional protective measures include user education programs to raise awareness about suspicious redirects and phishing attempts, along with implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and ensuring that redirect mechanisms in web applications are properly secured against manipulation. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts involving this type of vulnerability.