External risk intelligence

Epson iProjection Hardcoded Credentials Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2021-43717

The vulnerability affects an Epson projector application. While network-reachable, these devices are typically deployed within local area networks (LANs) for office or home use. Public internet exposure of a projector's management interface is uncommon and generally requires intentional, unusual configuration by the user.

Halo Surface Signal: 2 out of 5 — less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An unpatched security vulnerability has been identified in an Epson projector application that allows unauthorized access and malicious control through hard-coded credentials. This issue is significant because it impacts network-connected devices that may contain sensitive information or control critical functions within an organization. Understanding the potential for unauthorized access is key to assessing organizational risk.

  • Unauthorized projector control is possible.
  • Protects against unauthorized remote access.
  • Confirm projector relevance and exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can remotely access an Epson projector that uses the iProjection function, as hard-coded credentials allow unauthenticated access. Once inside, they can manipulate the projector's functions.

  • Network access required.
  • Hard-coded credentials used.
  • Projector control and malicious manipulation.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in the Epson iProjection application could allow an unauthenticated attacker to gain control of a projector. By leveraging hard-coded credentials, an attacker on the same network as the projector could remotely manipulate its functions, potentially affecting its display output or service behavior.

  • Projector control and functionality.
  • Access via network with hard-coded credentials.
  • Malicious manipulation of projector display.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Real-World Ownership: This vulnerability affects Epson projectors utilizing the iProjection function. The primary responsibility for addressing this issue likely falls to the asset management or IT infrastructure team responsible for audiovisual equipment. The first practical step is to identify all deployed Epson projectors with the iProjection capability, confirm their network accessibility, and assess their business criticality to prioritize remediation efforts.

  • Asset owners should manage the issue.
  • Verify projector network exposure.
  • Plan projector firmware updates.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Epson iProjection application?

Epson iProjection is software designed for Epson projectors, such as the EH-TW5350, that enables users to project content wirelessly. It facilitates communication between mobile devices or computers and the projector hardware, allowing for remote management and display control within a network environment.

What does CVE-2021-43717 mean by hard-coded credentials?

This vulnerability, classified as CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), occurs when software includes authentication details like passwords directly in its code. Because these credentials cannot be changed by the user, an attacker who discovers them can use them to bypass authentication and gain full control over the affected projector.

How can an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this by reaching the projector over a network and using the embedded hard-coded credentials to authenticate. Access is not triggered by physical proximity to the device, nor does it require legitimate user interaction; however, the attacker must have network-level connectivity to the projector's management interface.

Is my projector at risk if it is on an internal network?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that while the vulnerability is network-reachable, Epson projectors are typically deployed on local area networks (LANs). Public internet exposure is uncommon and usually intentional, meaning your risk is significantly lower if your device is protected by standard network perimeters and not exposed to the open web.

How should I respond to this vulnerability?

Start by identifying all Epson projectors in your environment that utilize the iProjection function. Once mapped, confirm their network accessibility and business importance. Prioritize these devices for firmware updates or network isolation to prevent unauthorized control of your audiovisual infrastructure.

References