CVE-2010-4965 in DCS-2121
Summary
by MITRE
/etc/rc.d/rc.local on the D-Link DCS-2121 camera with firmware 1.04 configures a hardcoded password of admin for the root account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain shell access by leveraging a running telnetd server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4965 affects D-Link DCS-2121 network cameras running firmware version 1.04, presenting a critical security weakness in the device's default configuration. This issue stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the camera's initialization scripts, specifically the /etc/rc.d/rc.local file which executes during system boot. The flaw manifests as a hardcoded administrative password set to "admin" for the root account, creating a persistent security risk that undermines the fundamental principles of secure system design and authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the camera's boot process where the rc.local script establishes a default root account with the weak password "admin". This hardcoded credential creates an attack surface that allows remote adversaries to gain unauthorized shell access when the telnetd service is running, which is typically enabled by default on these devices. The vulnerability operates at the system level, leveraging the principle of least privilege violation where default credentials are not properly secured or changed during device deployment. This flaw directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure default configuration that violates security best practices established by organizations such as NIST and ISO/IEC 27001.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent backdoors, modify device configurations, access stored video footage, or use the compromised camera as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal effort to exploit, as the password is publicly known and the telnet service is typically enabled by default. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which covers the use of legitimate credentials for persistence, and T1021.004 which addresses remote services through telnet protocols. The compromise of such network cameras can have significant implications for enterprise security, as these devices often serve as entry points for attackers targeting broader corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4965 should prioritize immediate credential changes and service disablement. Organizations must ensure that all D-Link DCS-2121 devices are updated to firmware versions that address this hardcoded password issue, while also implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical infrastructure. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary services such as telnet, enabling SSH instead, changing default administrative credentials to strong, unique passwords, and implementing regular security audits of networked devices. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual telnet connections or unauthorized access attempts to these specific camera models, as outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-41 guidelines for network security monitoring. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and the necessity of implementing robust device lifecycle management practices to prevent similar issues in other networked appliances.