CVE-2013-4976 in DS-2CD7153-E
Summary
by MITRE
Hikvision DS-2CD7153-E IP Camera has security bypass via hardcoded credentials
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The CVE-2013-4976 vulnerability affects Hikvision DS-2CD7153-E IP camera models and represents a critical security flaw involving hardcoded credentials that allows unauthorized access to the device. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The flaw specifically involves the presence of default or hardcoded administrative credentials within the camera firmware that remain unchanged regardless of user configuration or system updates. These hardcoded credentials are typically embedded directly into the device's software code or configuration files, making them accessible to anyone who knows how to locate and exploit them. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides persistent access to the camera's administrative functions without requiring any authentication or authorization from legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to gain full administrative privileges on the affected IP camera through a simple authentication process using the hardcoded credentials. The default username and password combination is typically well-documented within security research communities and can be found in various online repositories and vulnerability databases. Once an attacker successfully authenticates using these hardcoded credentials, they can access the camera's configuration interface, modify network settings, change user accounts, download or upload firmware, and potentially access video feeds or other sensitive data. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security is not properly managed. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which involves network service scanning to identify vulnerable devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant risks to network security and privacy. An attacker with administrative access to the camera can potentially use it as a pivot point to launch further attacks within the network, particularly in environments where the camera is connected to internal networks. The camera's video feeds may contain sensitive information about physical locations, personnel activities, or confidential operations, making unauthorized access to these feeds a serious privacy and security concern. Additionally, the compromised camera can be used to conduct surveillance on network users or to serve as a command and control node for malicious activities. Organizations that deploy these cameras without proper security configuration or credential management are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in the device's development lifecycle, where security considerations were not adequately addressed during the initial design and implementation phases. This type of flaw can be exploited by both external attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure and internal malicious actors with access to the network, highlighting the importance of proper credential management and regular security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4976 require immediate action to address the hardcoded credential issue and implement broader security measures. The primary recommendation involves changing default credentials to strong, unique passwords immediately upon device deployment, though this becomes ineffective if the credentials are hardcoded within the firmware itself. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to camera devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with them. Regular firmware updates from Hikvision should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, though organizations must verify that these updates properly resolve the hardcoded credential issue. Network monitoring should include detection of unusual authentication patterns or attempts to access camera devices using default credentials. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can prevent unauthorized access to camera management interfaces. Security awareness training for personnel responsible for managing surveillance systems can help prevent the reuse of default credentials and promote better security practices. Organizations should also consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential issues in other network devices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management, particularly in areas related to access control and secure system development practices.