CVE-2022-23968 in VersaLink
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2022
Xerox VersaLink devices on specific versions of firmware before 2022-01-26 allow remote attackers to brick the device via a crafted TIFF file in an unauthenticated HTTP POST request. There is a permanent denial of service because image parsing causes a reboot, but image parsing is restarted as soon as the boot process finishes. However, this boot loop can be resolved by a field technician. The TIFF file must have an incomplete Image Directory. Affected firmware versions include xx.42.01 and xx.50.61. NOTE: the 2022-01-24 NeoSmart article included "believed to affect all previous and later versions as of the date of this posting" but a 2022-01-26 vendor statement reports "the latest versions of firmware are not vulnerable to this issue."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-23968 represents a critical remote code execution and denial of service flaw affecting Xerox VersaLink multifunction devices. This vulnerability resides in the firmware image parsing functionality and specifically targets devices running firmware versions prior to 2022-01-26. The flaw manifests when the device receives a crafted TIFF file through an unauthenticated HTTP POST request, creating a scenario where remote attackers can remotely compromise device functionality without requiring any authentication credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow condition in the image processing component, which falls within the broader category of memory safety issues that frequently lead to system instability and potential exploitation.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a specific parsing error within the TIFF file handling code. When a malformed TIFF file containing an incomplete Image Directory is processed, the device's image parsing routine fails catastrophically, triggering an immediate system reboot. This reboot process creates a persistent boot loop condition where the device continuously restarts itself, rendering the device permanently unusable for its intended functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because the boot loop cannot be resolved through standard user intervention or network-based recovery methods, requiring physical access and field technician intervention to restore normal operation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for network denial of service attacks and demonstrates the potential for significant operational disruption in enterprise environments where these devices are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device unavailability, creating substantial business continuity concerns for organizations relying on Xerox VersaLink devices. The permanent denial of service condition means that affected devices become completely non-functional until repaired by qualified technicians, potentially disrupting document management workflows, printing services, and general office operations. The vulnerability affects specific firmware versions including xx.42.01 and xx.50.61, with the vendor's statement clarifying that newer firmware versions released after January 26, 2022, are not vulnerable to this issue. Organizations must conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and implement firmware updates to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure firmware update mechanisms and the need for proper input validation in embedded systems processing multimedia content. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication makes it particularly dangerous in networked environments where devices may be accessible from untrusted networks, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple devices within an organization's infrastructure.