CVE-2013-0142 in Surveillance Station Pro
Summary
by MITRE
QNAP VioStor NVR devices with firmware 4.0.3, and the Surveillance Station Pro component in QNAP NAS, have a hardcoded guest account, which allows remote attackers to obtain web-server login access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0142 affects QNAP VioStor Network Video Recorder devices running firmware version 4.0.3 and the Surveillance Station Pro component within QNAP Network Attached Storage systems. This represents a critical security flaw that compromises the authentication mechanism of these surveillance devices, potentially allowing unauthorized remote access to sensitive video surveillance data. The issue stems from the implementation of a hardcoded guest account within the device firmware, which violates fundamental security principles of credential management and access control.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of a predetermined username and password combination within the device firmware that cannot be modified or removed by administrators. This hardcoded account exists in the web server authentication mechanism, creating a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of system updates or administrative configuration changes. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through unspecified vectors that likely involve network-based reconnaissance and authentication attempts against the web interface. The vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage that violates the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privacy violations, and compromise of security monitoring systems. Remote attackers who discover or exploit this hardcoded account gain unrestricted access to surveillance footage, device configuration settings, and potentially other connected network resources. This vulnerability enables attackers to conduct persistent surveillance operations, manipulate recorded data, and potentially use the compromised device as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that surveillance systems often contain sensitive information about individuals and facilities, making this vulnerability a prime target for both criminal and state-sponsored actors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from QNAP, network segmentation to isolate surveillance equipment, and comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process requires administrators to verify device firmware versions and apply official patches that remove or disable the hardcoded guest account. Network security controls such as firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments should be implemented to prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of supply chain security and the need for manufacturers to adopt secure development practices that avoid hardcoding credentials and ensure proper authentication mechanisms. The incident demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in embedded systems can create significant security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle and adherence to security frameworks such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards.