Brother Industries faces a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting numerous printer models, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote code execution. Rapid7, the cybersecurity firm behind the discovery, identified this flaw along with seven others impacting a total of 689 device models. The core issue lies in a default password generation process linked to each device’s unique serial number, a practice followed during the manufacturing process.
These vulnerabilities, ranging from an admin password bypass to stack-based buffer overflows, pose significant risks to affected devices. Rapid7 highlighted CVE-2024-51978 as a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to derive the default administrator password using the serial number. Once this admin access is obtained, attackers can exploit CVE-2024-51979, a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow, enabling them to execute remote code without authentication.
John Bambanek of Bambanek Consulting emphasized the common oversight of printers in IT security, noting their potential as entry points for attackers seeking to move laterally within a network undetected. The combination of vulnerabilities discovered in Brother printers not only exposes the devices to remote code execution but also underscores the need for organizations to prioritize security updates for all network-connected devices, including seemingly innocuous peripherals like printers.
While Brother has issued firmware updates to address some vulnerabilities, fixing the critical authentication bypass vulnerability requires users to replace affected printers with new models that do not have the manufacturing flaw. The manufacturer acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that the vulnerability cannot be fully remediated through firmware updates and necessitates changes in the manufacturing process for all impacted models.
Aside from the Brother printers, Rapid7 identified similar vulnerabilities in devices from other manufacturers like Fujifilm, Ricoh, Toshiba Tec, and Konica Minolta. While most of the vulnerabilities have been mitigated through firmware updates, the discovery underscores the broader security implications of network-connected devices, particularly in the context of remote work environments where personal devices like printers can become potential security liabilities.
David Matalon, CEO of Venn, emphasized the importance of securing home office peripherals like printers, which are often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies. With the proliferation of WiFi-enabled devices in home environments, organizations must adopt comprehensive security measures to mitigate risks associated with remote work setups and ensure the protection of sensitive data.
The vulnerabilities identified in Brother printers serve as a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape faced by organizations, underscoring the need for proactive security measures to safeguard against potential exploits. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and prioritizing security updates for all network-connected devices remain crucial in mitigating risks and fortifying defenses against malicious actors.
📰 Related Articles
- Lexmark Printer Vulnerability Poses Remote Code Execution Risk
- Canon Printer Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution Risks
- Brother Printers Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks: Urgent Security Measures
- Xerox Versalink Printers Vulnerable to Hackers, Security Risks Identified
- Brother Printers: Top Picks for Quality and Efficiency