Some modems (most actually these days) have a Fax capability, However, most Fax
machines do not have a modem function. A modem is not a fax and visa versa.
There is no currently known means to compromise a Fax machine and get onto a
network. There is no theoretical scenario where this is possible that has been
proposed.
You can not bridge a network over the fax protocols. You could create a device
that would do this, but it would be needed on each end and would be in effect a
modem taking the analogue fax signal and changing it to a digital connection
and back.
So what this comes to is are you testing modems - which can be used to create a
link or faxes? A modem bank used as a fax service is NOT a fax machine.
When connected to a FAX machine over the fax protocol, there is no bridge. It
is an analogue signal and is never converted into any networked protocol. Faxes
do not work like modems.
So to conclude, there is no test as you never make a connection to a fax
machine in the manner that you suspect.
What you are suggesting is that you can get a modem connection (if the fax
machine is not a fax machine, but a modem simulating a fax). Even this is
incredibly difficult if the device is set as a fax alone.
Regards,
Craig Wright
GSE-Compliance
Craig Wright
Manager of Information Systems
Direct : +61 2 9286 5497
Craig.Wright@bdo.com.au
+61 417 683 914
BDO Kendalls (NSW)
Level 19, 2 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000
GPO BOX 2551 Sydney NSW 2001
Fax +61 2 9993 9497
www.bdo.com.au
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________________________________
From: listbounce@securityfocus.com on behalf of firstkhan2000@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri 26/10/2007 11:49 PM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Vulnerability testing in analog modem
All of us know that a fax machine should not be on a corporate network because
it has dial in/out capability on one side and connected to the NW on the other
- thus, creating a bridge to the NW thru the insecure modem connection. As a
security person, I would like to test it by dialing into the fax machine, and
thru the established bridge, enter into the network, and see what's the
exposure.
What would be the best way to conduct this test? I would be grateful if someone
could point me to a step by step testing situation/document.
Best Regards,
First Khan
347-452-1845
