CVE-2013-6117 in Dvr
Summary
by MITRE
Dahua DVR 2.608.0000.0 and 2.608.GV00.0 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain sensitive information including user credentials, change user passwords, clear log files, and perform other actions via a request to TCP port 37777.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6117 affects Dahua DVR firmware versions 2.608.0000.0 and 2.608.GV00.0, presenting a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to security camera systems. This issue resides within the network services provided by the DVR software, specifically targeting TCP port 37777 which serves as the primary communication channel for administrative functions. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in the authentication mechanism, allowing unauthenticated users to perform administrative operations that should require proper credentials and authorization. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in security infrastructure contexts where unauthorized access could compromise entire surveillance networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks within the DVR's communication protocol. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted requests to the exposed TCP port 37777 without requiring valid credentials, effectively circumventing the normal authentication process. This allows for a complete range of unauthorized administrative actions including credential theft, password modification, log file manipulation, and other privileged operations. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into the system's administrative interface, enabling attackers to assume full control over the DVR configuration and monitoring capabilities. The flaw aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic case of weak access control mechanisms in network services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected DVR systems. Security professionals and system administrators face significant risks including unauthorized surveillance access, data exfiltration, and potential use of the compromised systems for further network infiltration. The ability to clear log files specifically undermines forensic capabilities and detection of security incidents, while password changes can lock out legitimate users and prevent system recovery. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of security monitoring systems, potentially leaving organizations without critical surveillance capabilities during security incidents. The implications are particularly severe for industrial and commercial security deployments where these devices form part of critical infrastructure protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6117 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Dahua to address the authentication bypass flaw. Organizations must ensure that all affected DVR systems are patched promptly, as the vulnerability remains exploitable indefinitely without proper remediation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of port 37777 to trusted networks only, while monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on this port can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough inventory audits to identify all affected devices and establish baseline configurations that can be quickly restored in case of compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and network monitoring should be implemented to detect similar vulnerabilities in other network services and prevent unauthorized access to critical security infrastructure.