CVE-2024-51978
CVE-2024-51978 is a critical-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 24% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-1391.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 24% (98th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2024-54698
- Weakness: CWE-1391
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
An unauthenticated attacker who knows the target device's serial number, can generate the default administrator password for the device. An unauthenticated attacker can first discover the target device's serial number via CVE-2024-51977 over HTTP/HTTPS/IPP, or via a PJL request, or via an SNMP request.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-51978?
- An unauthenticated attacker who knows the target device's serial number, can generate the default administrator password for the device. An unauthenticated attacker can first discover the target device's serial number via CVE-2024-51977 over HTTP/HTTPS/IPP, or via a PJL request, or via an SNMP request.
- How severe is CVE-2024-51978?
- CVE-2024-51978 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2024-51978 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 24% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2024-51978?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2024-51978 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2024-51978 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-54698.
- When was CVE-2024-51978 published?
- CVE-2024-51978 was published on 2025-06-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte4f029e766e6b253/blt6495b3c6adf2867f/685aa980a26c5e2b1026969c/vulnerability-disclosure-whitepaper.pdf
- https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates/blob/main/http/cves/2024/CVE-2024-51978.yaml
- https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/pull/20349
- https://github.com/sfewer-r7/BrotherVulnerabilities
- https://support.brother.com/g/b/link.aspx?prod=group2&faqid=faq00100846_000
- https://support.brother.com/g/b/link.aspx?prod=group2&faqid=faq00100848_000
- https://support.brother.com/g/b/link.aspx?prod=lmgroup1&faqid=faqp00100620_000
- https://www.konicaminolta.com/global-en/security/advisory/pdf/km-2025-0001.pdf
- https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/multiple-brother-devices-multiple-vulnerabilities-fixed
- https://www.toshibatec.com/information/20250625_02.html
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/brother-printer-bug-in-689-models-exposes-default-admin-passwords/
- https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/millions-brother-printers-critical-unpatchable-bug
- https://www.securityweek.com/new-vulnerabilities-expose-millions-of-brother-printers-to-hacking/
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