CVE-2004-2426 in 2110 Network Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Axis Network Camera 2.40 and earlier, and Video Server 3.12 and earlier, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via a .. (dot dot) in an HTTP POST request to ServerManager.srv, then use these privileges to conduct other activities, such as modifying files using editcgi.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2426 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Axis network cameras and video servers from specific versions. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the web server component of these devices, specifically when processing HTTP POST requests to the ServerManager.srv endpoint. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences, commonly represented by the ".." (dot dot) notation. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP POST request containing these traversal sequences, the vulnerable system fails to properly sanitize the input, allowing unauthorized access to files and directories outside the intended web root. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a fundamental breakdown in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the affected devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP POST parameters sent to the ServerManager.srv interface. Attackers can construct requests that include directory traversal sequences in parameters such as file paths or configuration values, which the device processes without adequate validation. Once authenticated through this bypass, the attacker gains access to the underlying file system and can leverage the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially modify critical components through the editcgi.cgi interface. This represents a classic case of improper input validation where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before using it in file system operations, aligning with CWE-22 directory traversal vulnerability patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access to files. Once exploited, attackers can modify system configurations, upload malicious code, or even replace critical firmware components, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected devices, particularly those running Axis Network Camera 2.40 and earlier versions, or Video Server 3.12 and earlier, become vulnerable to persistent attacks where attackers can maintain access over extended periods. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as changing user credentials, modifying surveillance footage, or even creating backdoors for future access. The implications are severe for security-sensitive environments where these devices are deployed, as they could be used to compromise entire surveillance networks or provide unauthorized access to sensitive physical locations. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in embedded web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2426 must include immediate firmware updates from Axis to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical systems and apply network access controls to restrict access to the affected services. The implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. Additionally, administrators should disable unnecessary services, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, and implement proper logging to monitor access attempts to critical system interfaces. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and the necessity of robust input validation in embedded systems. The issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection, as well as T1078 for valid accounts, demonstrating how directory traversal can serve as a foundation for broader compromise strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.