CVE-2013-3313 in Nexus 543 IP Camera
Summary
by MITRE
The Loftek Nexus 543 IP Camera stores passwords in cleartext, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP GET request to check_users.cgi. NOTE: cleartext passwords can also be obtained from proc/kcore when leveraging the directory traversal vulnerability in CVE-2013-3311.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The CVE-2013-3313 vulnerability affects the Loftek Nexus 543 IP Camera, representing a critical security flaw in embedded device configuration management. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the device's web interface, specifically in the check_users.cgi script that processes HTTP GET requests. The flaw enables remote attackers to directly access stored user credentials without requiring authentication or any additional exploitation steps, fundamentally undermining the device's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper credential storage issue that maps to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The camera's web server fails to properly encrypt or hash user passwords before storing them in memory or configuration files, allowing attackers to retrieve these credentials simply by accessing the check_users.cgi endpoint. This design flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, requiring no special privileges or complex attack chains to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3313 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain full administrative control over affected IP cameras. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can modify camera settings, access live video feeds, change user permissions, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically targeting credential access through web application attacks. Additionally, the fact that cleartext passwords can be retrieved from proc/kcore when combined with the directory traversal vulnerability in CVE-2013-3311 creates a multi-vector attack scenario that significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the complexity of exploitation.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the nature of IP camera deployments, which often occur in environments where physical security is minimal and network access may be uncontrolled. Organizations relying on these devices for surveillance purposes face potential exposure of sensitive video data and unauthorized access to their security infrastructure. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security architecture decisions in embedded systems development, where the assumption that physical security alone is sufficient for protecting sensitive data proves inadequate. Network defenders should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual HTTP requests to the check_users.cgi endpoint as part of their defensive strategies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation, secure credential storage mechanisms, and regular security assessments of networked embedded devices to prevent similar issues in other IoT and network infrastructure components.