CVE-2010-4964 in DCS-2121
Summary
by MITRE
recorder_test.cgi on the D-Link DCS-2121 camera with firmware 1.04 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the Password field, related to a "semicolon injection" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2019
The CVE-2010-4964 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the D-Link DCS-2121 network camera firmware version 1.04. This vulnerability specifically affects the recorder_test.cgi web script which handles authentication parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Password field parameter processing, allowing malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a semicolon injection technique that leverages the web application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing. When an attacker submits a malicious payload containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons in the Password field, the system interprets these characters as command delimiters rather than literal password characters. This allows the attacker to append additional shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited across various network devices and embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the camera's system resources. An attacker can execute arbitrary commands including but not limited to modifying system configurations, accessing stored video files, changing user credentials, or even installing malware on the device. This level of compromise poses significant risks to network security, particularly in environments where these cameras are deployed for surveillance purposes. The vulnerability affects not only the device itself but also creates potential entry points for lateral movement within the network, as attackers can use compromised cameras as staging points for further attacks against adjacent systems.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. Immediate remediation involves updating the D-Link DCS-2121 firmware to versions that properly sanitize input parameters and prevent command injection attacks. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the camera's web management interface to authorized personnel only. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and conducting regular security audits of networked devices can help identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web application interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies that limit the exposure of such devices to untrusted networks and maintain comprehensive asset inventories to ensure all vulnerable devices are identified and patched promptly.