CVE-2013-3686 in AirLive WL2600CAM
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-bin/operator/param in AirLive WL2600CAM and possibly other camera models allows remote attackers to obtain the administrator password via a list action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3686 affects AirLive WL2600CAM devices and potentially other camera models that utilize the cgi-bin/operator/param interface. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in network camera authentication mechanisms that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to extract administrative credentials through a specific parameter manipulation technique. The vulnerability exists within the web interface configuration of these surveillance devices, specifically targeting the operator parameter handling functionality that manages user access controls and authentication settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control measures within the camera's web server component. When remote attackers send a request with a list action parameter to the cgi-bin/operator/param endpoint, the system fails to properly authenticate the requestor before returning sensitive information including administrator passwords. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks and improper privilege management, which aligns with CWE-285: Improper Authorization and CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access privileged configuration parameters without providing valid credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for affected organizations. Once exploited, attackers gain full administrative control over the compromised camera, enabling them to modify video streams, alter recording schedules, disable security features, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and attacks. The ability to obtain administrator passwords through a simple parameter manipulation technique means that even devices with default credentials or those that have not been properly secured remain vulnerable. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1212: Exploitation for Credential Access, where adversaries target weaknesses in authentication systems to obtain privileged access. Organizations using these devices face risks of unauthorized surveillance, data breaches, and potential use as part of larger attack campaigns targeting network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including firmware updates from AirLive and other affected vendors, network segmentation to isolate camera devices from critical systems, and implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious requests to the vulnerable endpoint. Administrators should disable unnecessary web interfaces, change default credentials, and implement proper access controls for network camera configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling authentication and authorization functions. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their networked devices and implement network access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive endpoints. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper authentication mechanisms and the potential consequences of inadequate privilege separation in networked security devices.