CVE-2003-1160 in Flexwatch Network Video Server
Summary
by MITRE
FlexWATCH Network video server 132 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative privileges via an HTTP request to aindex.htm that contains double leading slashes (//).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1160 affects the FlexWATCH Network video server version 132, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to escalate privileges without proper authorization. This issue stems from a flaw in how the system processes HTTP requests, specifically when encountering double leading slashes in the URL path. The affected component is the aindex.htm page which serves as a key interface for administrative functions within the video server system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a path traversal mechanism that fails to properly sanitize input containing double slashes. When an attacker crafts an HTTP request with a double leading slash sequence in the URL path pointing to aindex.htm, the server incorrectly interprets this input and bypasses the normal authentication checks. This behavior constitutes a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts for privilege escalation. The flaw essentially allows attackers to access administrative functions directly without providing valid credentials, effectively rendering the authentication mechanism ineffective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides full administrative access to the network video server, enabling attackers to modify system configurations, view or manipulate video feeds, access stored recordings, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The attack surface extends to any system where the FlexWATCH server is accessible over the network, including corporate networks, surveillance systems, and public-facing installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the FlexWATCH Network video server software to the latest version that addresses this specific authentication bypass flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices, ensuring that administrative interfaces are not directly exposed to untrusted networks. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in HTTP requests containing double slashes or other path traversal attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting administrative access to only trusted IP addresses can help reduce the risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the critical need for robust authentication mechanisms in networked security devices, as outlined in industry standards for secure software development practices.