CVE-2014-2227 in UniFi Video
Summary
by MITRE
The default Flash cross-domain policy (crossdomain.xml) in Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Video (formerly AirVision aka AirVision Controller) before 3.0.1 does not restrict access to the application, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a crafted SWF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2227 affects Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Video system, formerly known as AirVision Controller, which is a video management software solution used for surveillance and security monitoring. This particular flaw resides in the default cross-domain policy configuration that governs how Flash applications can interact with resources across different domains. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 3.0.1, indicating it was a known issue that required a software update to remediate the security weakness. The core problem stems from the improper implementation of the crossdomain.xml file, which serves as a critical security mechanism in Flash-based web applications to define which domains can access resources on a server.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper access restrictions in the default crossdomain.xml policy file. This policy file is essential for implementing the Same Origin Policy, which is a fundamental security mechanism in web browsers that prevents scripts from one origin from accessing resources from another origin. When this policy is improperly configured, it creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass these security boundaries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a specially designed SWF (Shockwave Flash) file that can access and interact with the UniFi Video application's resources without proper authentication or authorization. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where the Flash player's security model is circumvented through a crafted malicious file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using Ubiquiti UniFi Video systems, as it provides remote attackers with unauthorized access to the video management application. This could enable attackers to potentially view surveillance footage, access administrative functions, manipulate video recordings, or even gain control over the surveillance system itself. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not need physical access to the network or system to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for security-conscious organizations. The Same Origin Policy bypass allows attackers to perform actions that should normally be restricted to authorized users, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration from the surveillance infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to UniFi Video version 3.0.1 or later, which contains the patched crossdomain.xml policy configuration. Security administrators should also review and properly configure the crossdomain.xml files to ensure they follow security best practices by explicitly defining which domains are permitted to access the application's resources. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the UniFi Video application's ports and services. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious SWF file downloads or unusual network activity related to the surveillance system should be enabled. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a specific instance of how Flash-based applications can be exploited through improper policy implementation, which is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when considering the broader attack surface and potential for lateral movement through compromised surveillance systems.