CVE-2001-1543 in Network Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Axis network camera 2120, 2110, 2100, 200+ and 200 contains a default administration password "pass", which allows remote attackers to gain access to the camera.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1543 represents a critical security flaw in several Axis network camera models including the 2120, 2110, 2100, 200+, and 200 series devices. This issue stems from the implementation of a hardcoded default administrative password "pass" that remains unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and specifically aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, where the default credentials are trivial and easily guessable. The security implications are severe as this flaw enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the network cameras without requiring any specialized tools or techniques beyond basic network reconnaissance.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote network access to the camera's administration interface. Attackers can simply connect to the camera's web interface using the default credentials "pass" to gain full administrative control over the device. This level of access allows for complete modification of camera settings, configuration changes, video stream manipulation, and potential use of the camera as a pivot point for further network attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple camera models from the same manufacturer, suggesting a systemic design flaw rather than an isolated incident. The default password remains unchanged even after device initialization, creating a persistent security risk that extends throughout the device's operational lifetime.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant risks for network security and privacy. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can modify camera configurations to disable security features, redirect video streams, or even create backdoors for persistent access. The camera can be used as a reconnaissance tool to map network topology or as a platform for launching attacks against other networked devices. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage default credentials to establish persistent access. The long-term consequences include potential data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and the camera becoming a compromised node within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1543 require immediate and comprehensive action to address the hardcoded default credentials. Network administrators must immediately change the default administrative password to a strong, unique credential that meets complexity requirements and is not shared across multiple devices. The recommended approach includes implementing password policies that enforce minimum length requirements, character variety, and regular rotation schedules. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate camera devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous behavior patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices as outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the need for secure configuration management and proper credential handling. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded credentials across all networked devices. Device firmware updates should be applied immediately if available, and manufacturers should be contacted to understand the specific remediation steps for affected camera models.