CVE-2021-28669
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to modify configuration settings on affected Xerox multifunction printers without administrative privileges. It affects specific Xerox AltaLink and C80 series models running outdated firmware versions. Attackers could potentially alter device settings to compromise security or functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- Xerox AltaLink B80xx
- Xerox C8030
- Xerox C8035
- Xerox C8045
- Xerox C8055
- Xerox C8070
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could reconfigure the printer to disable security features, intercept print jobs, or establish persistent access to the network through the compromised device.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could change printer settings like network configurations, security policies, or access controls, potentially disrupting operations or exposing sensitive information.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, the impact would be limited to printer functionality without broader network compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to the printer's management interface but no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: AltaLink B80xx: 103.008.020.23120 or later; C8030/C8035: 103.001.020.23120 or later; C8045/C8055: 103.002.020.23120 or later; C8070: 103.003.020.23120 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://securitydocs.business.xerox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cert_Security_Mini_Bulletin_XRX20R_for_ALB80xx-C80xx-2.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the appropriate firmware update from Xerox support portal. 2. Upload the firmware file to the printer via web interface or USB. 3. Follow on-screen prompts to complete installation. 4. Reboot the printer after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
allRestrict network access to printer management interfaces to authorized administrative networks only.
Disable Unnecessary Services
allDisable any unnecessary network services on the printer to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected printers on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Access printer web interface > System > About and compare firmware version against patched versions listed in affected systems.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via printer web interface or display panelVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched version listed in fix_official section.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized configuration changes in printer logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by configuration changes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to printer management ports from non-admin IPs
- Configuration changes via non-standard protocols
SIEM Query:
source="printer_logs" AND (event="configuration_change" OR event="settings_modified") AND user!="admin"