How to remediate – Xerox Document Centre Device Detection

1. Introduction

The Xerox Document Centre Device Detection vulnerability identifies systems running Xerox Document Centre printer software. These devices are commonly found in office environments and can present a risk if not properly secured. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to gain control of the printer, potentially leading to data breaches or disruption of service. This impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. Technical Explanation

This vulnerability indicates the presence of a Xerox Document Centre device on the network. While not a direct exploit in itself, it flags a system that may be vulnerable to known printer-specific attacks. Attackers could potentially use this information to target the device with further exploits. There is no CVE currently associated with simply detecting the device type. An example attack would involve identifying the device and then attempting to exploit default credentials or unpatched vulnerabilities in its web interface.

• Root cause: The remote host is running Xerox Document Centre software, which may have known vulnerabilities.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker identifies the printer on the network and attempts to exploit known weaknesses. This could involve accessing the device’s web interface with default credentials or using a publicly available exploit.
• Scope: All Xerox Document Centre devices are potentially affected. Specific versions depend on firmware installed.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming the presence of a Xerox Document Centre device can be done quickly through network scanning. A more thorough assessment involves checking the device’s web interface for vulnerabilities.

• Quick checks: Use nmap -p 9100 to check if port 9100 (commonly used by printers) is open.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138672 can identify Xerox Document Centre devices. This is an example only and may require updates.
• Logs and evidence: Check network traffic logs for connections to known Xerox IP addresses or default printer ports (9100, LPD/LPR ports).

nmap -p 9100 

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to ensure the device’s firmware is up-to-date and that strong security practices are in place.

4.1 Preparation

• Services: No services need to be stopped for this process, but schedule during off-peak hours.
• Dependencies: Ensure you have access to the Xerox support website and download the latest firmware. Roll back by restoring the previous configuration if issues occur.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Log in to the printer’s web interface using an administrator account.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the “Firmware Update” or similar section.
3. Step 3: Upload the latest firmware file from the Xerox support website.
4. Step 4: Initiate the update process and allow the device to reboot.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Firmware Version: 01.23.45

After

Firmware Version: 01.23.46 (or latest available)

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.

• Practice 1: Patch cadence – Regularly update the printer’s firmware to address known vulnerabilities.
• Practice 2: Strong passwords – Change default administrator credentials to strong, unique passwords.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# No automated solution is available for this specific vulnerability due to device-specific interfaces.

5. Verification / Validation

• Post-fix check: Use nmap -p 9100 and then log into the web interface to verify the firmware version is updated (e.g., 01.23.46).
• Re-test: Re-run the initial scan to confirm that the device is still detected, but with an updated firmware version.
• Smoke test: Print a test page and ensure basic printing functionality remains operational.
• Monitoring: Monitor printer logs for any unusual activity or failed login attempts.

nmap -p 9100 

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.

• Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to include regular printer firmware updates (e.g., quarterly).
• Pipelines: Consider network segmentation to isolate printers from sensitive networks.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a scheduled review of all printer assets and their associated firmware versions.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Firmware update failure could render the printer unusable. Mitigation: Ensure a stable power supply during the update process.
• Risk or side effect 2: Compatibility issues with other network devices. Mitigation: Test the updated firmware in a non-production environment first.
• Roll back: Restore the previous configuration backup if the update fails or causes compatibility issues.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: Xerox Support Website