CVE-2013-3585 in Smart Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung Web Viewer for Samsung DVR devices stores credentials in cleartext, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information via vectors involving (1) direct access to a file or (2) the user-setup web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3585 affects Samsung Web Viewer components integrated into Samsung DVR devices, representing a critical security flaw in embedded systems that store authentication credentials in an unencrypted format. This weakness stems from poor secure coding practices where sensitive information such as usernames and passwords are persisted in cleartext within configuration files or web application resources, creating an exploitable condition that violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices that utilize Samsung's Web Viewer for remote monitoring and management functions, which are commonly deployed in security surveillance environments where unauthorized access could compromise entire network infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the storage mechanism within the DVR device's web interface components where authentication credentials are written to disk without any form of encryption or obfuscation. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through two primary vectors: direct file system access where they can read credential files stored on the device's local storage, or through the user-setup web page interface where credentials might be transmitted or stored in an accessible format. This cleartext storage pattern creates a persistent security risk that remains active until the device is physically secured or the configuration is manually updated. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and represents a failure to implement proper credential management practices as outlined in security standards such as NIST SP 800-53.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to DVR systems that often contain sensitive surveillance footage and network management capabilities. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can manipulate camera settings, view live feeds, access historical recordings, and potentially use the DVR as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices within the same infrastructure. This represents a significant concern for organizations deploying these devices in corporate, industrial, or residential security environments where the compromise of surveillance systems could lead to privacy violations, operational disruption, and potential physical security breaches. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that the risk assessment varies based on physical security controls and network segmentation, but the presence of cleartext credentials creates a baseline threat that exists regardless of network protection measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers including physical security controls, network segmentation, and proper credential management protocols. Organizations should implement immediate physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from directly accessing DVR devices and their storage components. Network-based mitigations should include firewall rules that restrict access to DVR web interfaces to trusted networks only, and the implementation of secure remote access solutions such as VPNs or jump servers. The most effective long-term solution involves firmware updates from Samsung that implement proper credential encryption and secure storage mechanisms, though this requires coordinated vendor response and deployment across affected device installations. Security practitioners should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to DVR systems and establish incident response procedures that account for potential credential compromise scenarios. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential handling in embedded systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting through various access vectors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security approaches that address both network and physical access controls.