CVE-2017-5671 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2017-5671 article provides insights into a security vulnerability affecting Honeywell Intermec industrial printers.

Understanding CVE-2017-5671

What is CVE-2017-5671?

The Honeywell Intermec PM23, PM42, PM43, PC23, PC43, PD43, and PC42 industrial printers with versions prior to 10.11.013310 and 10.12.x versions prior to 10.12.013309 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation attack.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5671

The vulnerability allows local users to execute a BusyBox jailbreak attack, leading to unauthorized root access by manipulating the /etc/shadow file.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5671

Vulnerability Description

The Honeywell Intermec printers have a setuid /usr/bin/lua installation under the itadmin account, enabling the exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

Honeywell Intermec PM23, PM42, PM43, PC23, PC43, PD43, and PC42 industrial printers
Versions prior to 10.11.013310 and 10.12.x versions before 10.12.013309

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows local users to gain root privileges by modifying the /etc/shadow file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected printers to versions 10.11.013310 or 10.12.013309.
Restrict physical access to the printers to prevent unauthorized manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit printer configurations for unauthorized changes.
Implement strong password policies and access controls to limit privilege escalation.

Patching and Updates

Apply firmware updates provided by Honeywell Intermec to address the vulnerability.