CVE-2004-2425 in 2110 Network Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Axis Network Camera 2.40 and earlier, and Video Server 3.12 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via accent (`) and possibly other shell metacharacters in the query string to virtualinput.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2425 affects Axis network cameras and video servers with specific firmware versions, presenting a critical remote command execution risk. This flaw exists in the handling of query strings within the virtualinput.cgi component, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability specifically targets versions 2.40 and earlier for Axis Network Camera and 3.12 and earlier for Video Server, indicating a widespread issue affecting legacy systems that were prevalent during the early 2000s era of network security. The exploitation mechanism relies on the injection of shell metacharacters, particularly the backtick character, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the web application layer of these network security devices. When a malicious query string containing shell metacharacters is passed to virtualinput.cgi, the application fails to properly escape or filter these special characters before using them in system calls or shell commands. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The backtick character serves as a shell metacharacter that invokes command substitution, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and embedded system security, demonstrating how networked devices with web interfaces can become attack vectors for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete control over the affected network cameras or video servers. Attackers can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in security environments where these devices are deployed, as they often serve as critical components in surveillance and monitoring infrastructures. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the devices, making it especially concerning for organizations that deploy these systems without proper network segmentation or security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2425 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Axis to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious query patterns, and consider network access controls to limit access to the virtualinput.cgi endpoint. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding on web applications, along with regular security assessments of networked devices, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for defensive measures that address command injection techniques. Organizations should also establish comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely updates of all networked security devices and maintain awareness of known vulnerabilities affecting their installed systems.