CVE-2012-4046 in DCS-932L
Summary
by MITRE
The D-Link DCS-932L camera with firmware 1.02 allows remote attackers to discover the password via a UDP broadcast packet, as demonstrated by running the D-Link Setup Wizard and reading the _paramR["P"] value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4046 affects D-Link DCS-932L network cameras running firmware version 1.02, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms. This weakness allows remote attackers to obtain administrative credentials through a simple UDP broadcast packet, bypassing normal authentication procedures entirely. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the D-Link Setup Wizard is executed, enabling attackers to extract password information by reading the _paramR["P"] value from the network traffic, which directly exposes the device's administrative password in cleartext.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of network configuration parameters within the camera's firmware, creating an information disclosure weakness that aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information. The device's failure to properly validate or authenticate incoming UDP packets allows unauthorized access to configuration data that should remain protected. This flaw operates at the network protocol level, exploiting the camera's response to broadcast communication patterns that are typically used for device discovery and configuration purposes. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management, where the system does not adequately verify the legitimacy of requests attempting to access sensitive operational parameters.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations deploying D-Link DCS-932L cameras in security-critical environments. Remote attackers can gain full administrative control over affected devices within seconds of discovering the vulnerability, enabling them to modify camera settings, capture video feeds, disable security features, and potentially use the compromised cameras as entry points for broader network attacks. The ease of exploitation means that even unskilled attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge. This represents a severe compromise of the principle of least privilege, as the device's configuration information is exposed to any network entity capable of sending UDP packets to the device's broadcast address.
The impact extends beyond immediate device compromise to potential network infiltration and surveillance abuse, particularly when these cameras are deployed in corporate or industrial environments where they may be connected to internal networks. Attackers can use the compromised credentials to establish persistent access points, monitor network traffic, or launch further attacks against other systems within the same network segment. This vulnerability particularly concerns organizations using the camera for security monitoring, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the deployment. The issue also highlights the importance of secure configuration management and the need for proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from D-Link, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unusual UDP broadcast traffic patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing proper access controls to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security assessments of networked devices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically under credential access, where attackers leverage information disclosure to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities in the context of supply chain security, as the compromised devices could serve as persistent backdoors for extended periods, potentially going undetected for months or years.