CVE-2024-27151 in e-Studio Multi-Function Peripheral
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
The Toshiba printers are vulnerable to a Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability. An attacker can remotely compromise any Toshiba printer. The programs can be replaced by malicious programs by any local or remote attacker. As for the affected products/models/versions, see the reference URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27151 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw affecting Toshiba printers, which fundamentally undermines the security posture of these networked devices. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise. The flaw exists within the printer's firmware or operating system components, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by both local and remote adversaries. The implications extend beyond simple access control violations as the vulnerability permits attackers to replace legitimate programs with malicious payloads, effectively providing persistent backdoor access to the affected devices. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate privilege separation within the printer's security architecture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes insufficient privileges or permissions in software systems. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain administrative access to printer systems, potentially enabling them to modify firmware, install malware, or establish persistent access points within network environments. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where printers are often connected to internal networks. The ability to replace legitimate programs with malicious alternatives indicates that the system lacks proper code integrity verification mechanisms, allowing unauthorized modifications to critical system components.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on Toshiba printers, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network attacks. The attack surface expands beyond individual printer compromise to include potential lateral movement within corporate networks, especially when printers are connected to sensitive internal systems. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting malicious activity, as the replaced programs could mimic legitimate printer functionality while executing unauthorized operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target multiple devices simultaneously, potentially affecting entire printer fleets across different locations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Toshiba, as these patches typically address the underlying privilege escalation mechanisms that enable the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate printer devices from critical systems, reducing the potential impact of compromise. Regular security assessments of printer firmware and access controls are essential, along with monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of device authentication mechanisms and code signing verification can help prevent unauthorized program replacement. Additionally, security teams should consider deploying network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for printer-related anomalies, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and lateral movement. Organizations must also review their printer management policies to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to administrative functions and that all printer devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches.