CVE-2013-3543 in Media Control Activex Control
Summary
by MITRE
The AXIS Media Control (AMC) ActiveX control (AxisMediaControlEmb.dll) 6.2.10.11 for AXIS network cameras allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a file path to the (1) StartRecord, (2) SaveCurrentImage, or (3) StartRecordMedia methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The CVE-2013-3543 vulnerability resides within the AXIS Media Control ActiveX component, specifically affecting version 6.2.10.11 of the AxisMediaControlEmb.dll library used in AXIS network cameras. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits the improper validation of file paths within the ActiveX control's method implementations. The vulnerability manifests through three distinct methods: StartRecord, SaveCurrentImage, and StartRecordMedia, all of which accept user-supplied file path parameters without adequate sanitization or validation. This design flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the file system by specifying arbitrary file paths that could lead to unauthorized file creation or overwriting operations on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of input validation and proper path resolution mechanisms within the ActiveX control's file handling methods. When an attacker invokes any of the three vulnerable methods with a malicious file path parameter, the control fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before executing file system operations. This allows attackers to specify absolute paths or manipulate relative paths to target sensitive system locations, potentially overwriting critical system files or creating malicious files in strategic locations. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a mechanism to execute arbitrary file operations on the system where the ActiveX control is installed, typically within web browsers that support ActiveX components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations deploying AXIS network cameras in their security infrastructure. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these cameras are often integrated into broader security monitoring systems. Successful exploitation could lead to persistent backdoors, system compromise, or the installation of malicious software through file overwrites. The attack surface is particularly concerning because network cameras are often deployed in accessible network segments and may be configured with default credentials, making them attractive targets for initial compromise. The vulnerability also poses risks to network integrity as attackers could manipulate recorded media files or overwrite system files, potentially disrupting camera functionality or creating false security events.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying vendor patches when available, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to camera management interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation may involve creating or modifying files that could serve as persistence mechanisms. Network administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual file system activity in areas where ActiveX controls are deployed. The incident highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in component-based applications, particularly those designed for deployment in untrusted environments.