CVE-2013-1599 in IP Cameras
Summary
by MITRE
A Command Injection vulnerability exists in the /var/www/cgi-bin/rtpd.cgi script in D-Link IP Cameras DCS-3411/3430 firmware 1.02, DCS-5605/5635 1.01, DCS-1100L/1130L 1.04, DCS-1100/1130 1.03, DCS-1100/1130 1.04_US, DCS-2102/2121 1.05_RU, DCS-3410 1.02, DCS-5230 1.02, DCS-5230L 1.02, DCS-6410 1.00, DCS-7410 1.00, DCS-7510 1.00, and WCS-1100 1.02, which could let a remote malicious user execute arbitrary commands through the camera’s web interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1599 represents a critical command injection flaw in D-Link IP camera firmware versions across multiple product lines including DCS-3411/3430, DCS-5605/5635, and numerous other models. This vulnerability resides within the /var/www/cgi-bin/rtpd.cgi script which serves as a web interface component for camera management and configuration. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices by manipulating input parameters through the web interface, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This command injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the CGI script, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection attack pattern where user-supplied parameters are directly concatenated into system commands without proper sanitization. The affected D-Link cameras operate with firmware versions that fail to properly validate or escape input data passed to the rtpd.cgi script, creating a pathway for attackers to inject operating system commands. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77, which defines command injection as a weakness where untrusted input is used to construct command strings that are executed by the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these cameras are typically deployed in networked environments where they are accessible via standard web protocols, making the exploitation vector accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected camera devices. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gain persistent access to the network through the compromised cameras, potentially using them as launching points for further attacks against other networked systems. The vulnerability affects multiple D-Link camera models across different product lines, indicating a widespread firmware issue that could impact numerous installations in corporate, residential, and industrial environments. Network defenders face significant challenges in identifying and remediating this vulnerability due to the distributed nature of these devices and the potential for attackers to maintain long-term access without detection. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocol usage for command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying command injection flaw in the rtpd.cgi script. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and sanitization in web applications, particularly in embedded systems where security updates may be infrequent or unavailable. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected D-Link camera models and implement temporary network controls such as firewall rules blocking access to the affected CGI scripts until proper firmware updates are deployed. Additionally, security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to these networked devices, as the vulnerability could be exploited for data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or as part of broader attack campaigns targeting industrial control systems or corporate networks.