CVE-2021-39367 in Oce Print Exec Workgroup
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2021
Canon Oce Print Exec Workgroup 1.3.2 allows Host header injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39367 affects Canon Oce Print Exec Workgroup version 1.3.2 and represents a critical host header injection flaw that enables attackers to manipulate HTTP requests by injecting malicious host headers. This vulnerability resides within the web application layer of the print management system, specifically targeting the application's handling of HTTP header validation mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation of the Host header parameter, which is commonly used by web servers to determine the target domain for requests. When an application fails to properly validate or sanitize this header, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject arbitrary host values that can be processed by the application's internal logic, potentially leading to various security consequences including but not limited to request smuggling, cross-site scripting, or authentication bypass scenarios. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-113, representing improper neutralization of characters or elements that could be interpreted as control instructions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts HTTP requests with maliciously formatted Host headers that are accepted and processed by the vulnerable application without proper validation. This allows adversaries to manipulate how the application routes requests, potentially redirecting traffic to unintended destinations or exploiting trust relationships within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning for print management systems as they often operate within enterprise environments where they may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive network resources. When an attacker successfully injects a host header, they can potentially redirect application responses to malicious servers, manipulate session handling, or even perform server-side request forgery attacks. The vulnerability can be leveraged to bypass security controls that rely on host header validation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such controls are critical for maintaining application security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-39367 extends beyond simple request manipulation and can significantly compromise the security posture of organizations using affected Canon Oce Print Exec Workgroup systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to conduct various malicious activities including session hijacking, cache poisoning, or even gain unauthorized access to sensitive print jobs and configuration data. The vulnerability creates an attack vector that can be combined with other techniques such as cross-site scripting or authentication bypass methods, amplifying the overall security risk. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to print queues, exposure of sensitive documents, or potential disruption of print services that are critical for business operations. The impact is further exacerbated in enterprise environments where print management systems often serve as gateways to other network resources, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of HTTP headers, particularly the Host header parameter. Organizations should ensure that all incoming host headers are strictly validated against expected values and that the application enforces proper header sanitization before processing requests. The implementation of HTTP header security controls including the use of Content Security Policy headers, proper session management, and robust input validation mechanisms should be prioritized. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Security updates and patches from Canon should be applied immediately upon availability, and organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems that may be susceptible to similar host header injection vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and should include monitoring for suspicious host header values in web application logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that the implemented controls remain effective against evolving attack techniques.