CVE-2010-4233 in CMNC-200
Summary
by MITRE
The Linux installation on the Camtron CMNC-200 Full HD IP Camera and TecVoz CMNC-200 Megapixel IP Camera with firmware 1.102A-008 has a default password of m for the root account, and a default password of merlin for the mg3500 account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via the TELNET interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4233 represents a critical security flaw in networked video surveillance equipment manufactured by Camtron and TecVoz. This issue affects specific models of IP cameras including the Camtron CMNC-200 Full HD and TecVoz CMNC-200 Megapixel devices running firmware version 1.102A-008. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of weak default credentials that persist across multiple device models, creating a widespread security risk for organizations deploying these surveillance systems. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles by providing easily guessable authentication credentials that remain unchanged from factory settings, enabling unauthorized access without requiring sophisticated attack techniques or exploitation of complex software vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of hardcoded default passwords that are widely documented and readily available in security databases and online resources. The root account utilizes the default password 'm' while the mg3500 account employs 'merlin' as its default credential. These weak authentication mechanisms are accessible through the TELNET interface, which operates on TCP port 23 and provides unencrypted remote access to the device's command-line interface. The vulnerability is classified as a default credential weakness under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials that are not changed by users during installation or operation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because TELNET provides full administrative access to the device, allowing attackers to modify camera settings, access video feeds, alter system configurations, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for accessing other network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on these surveillance systems. Attackers with knowledge of the default credentials can remotely compromise the affected cameras and gain complete control over their operations, potentially leading to privacy violations, data breaches, and disruption of security monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through automated scanning tools that systematically test for these known default credentials across networked devices. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to malicious actors and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation. The presence of default passwords on network-connected devices creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by both external attackers and internal threat actors who may have legitimate access to the network but seek to escalate privileges. Organizations using these devices face potential compliance violations under security standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework, as the vulnerability represents a failure to implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves changing the default passwords to strong, unique credentials that are not easily guessable and are changed from factory defaults. This approach directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability and aligns with the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel possess administrative access to critical networked devices. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that mandate password changes upon initial deployment and establish regular security audits to verify that default credentials have been properly updated. Additional security measures include disabling unused services such as TELNET and implementing encrypted alternatives like SSH for remote administration. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to these devices to authorized network segments only, while implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of device lifecycle management and the need for organizations to maintain current knowledge of security patches and updates for all networked equipment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Default Credentials, which represents a common technique used by adversaries to gain initial access to systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar security flaws across their entire network infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and emerging threats.