CVE-2024-51980 in Printer
Summary
by MITRE • 06/25/2025
An unauthenticated attacker may perform a limited server side request forgery (SSRF), forcing the target device to open a TCP connection to an arbitrary port number on an arbitrary IP address. This SSRF leverages the WS-Addressing ReplyTo element in a Web service (HTTP TCP port 80) SOAP request. The attacker can not control the data sent in the SSRF connection, nor can the attacker receive any data back. This SSRF is suitable for TCP port scanning of an internal network when the Web service (HTTP TCP port 80) is exposed across a network segment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-51980 represents a significant security flaw in web service implementations that process SOAP requests with WS-Addressing headers. This issue manifests as a server-side request forgery attack that operates without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems that expose web services to untrusted networks. The vulnerability specifically targets the ReplyTo element within WS-Addressing headers, which is a standard mechanism used in web services to specify where responses should be sent. When a web service processes a SOAP request containing a malicious ReplyTo address, it inadvertently initiates TCP connections to the specified destination, effectively enabling network reconnaissance capabilities for attackers who can control the target IP address and port.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of WS-Addressing ReplyTo elements within SOAP message processing. The flaw occurs when a web service application fails to properly sanitize or validate the destination addresses specified in these headers, allowing arbitrary TCP connection attempts to be initiated by remote attackers. The attack requires only that the web service be accessible over HTTP port 80, making it particularly exploitable in environments where such services are exposed to external networks without proper network segmentation. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-918 category of Server-Side Request Forgery, which is classified as a critical security weakness that enables attackers to make the server perform unintended actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple port scanning capabilities, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to map internal network topology and identify potentially vulnerable systems that may not be directly exposed to external networks. While the attacker cannot control the data sent during the connection attempt or receive any response data, the ability to initiate TCP connections to arbitrary destinations enables systematic network reconnaissance through port scanning operations. This capability allows threat actors to discover open ports, services, and potentially vulnerable systems within internal network segments that would otherwise remain hidden from external scanning efforts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where web services may be exposed to internet-facing infrastructure but internal systems are protected by network segmentation.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of WS-Addressing headers within SOAP message processing. Organizations should consider implementing network-level restrictions that prevent outbound connections from web service applications to internal network segments, effectively limiting the scope of potential exploitation. The use of web application firewalls and network access control lists can help prevent unauthorized TCP connection attempts originating from web service endpoints. Additionally, implementing proper network segmentation and ensuring that web services are not exposed to untrusted networks without appropriate security controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which emphasizes the importance of protecting externally accessible services from attacks that leverage improper input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual outbound connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review of SOAP message processing logic, implementation of strict address validation, and regular security testing of web service endpoints to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the system.