CVE-2014-4880 in DVR DS-7204
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Hikvision DVR DS-7204 Firmware 2.2.10 build 131009, and other models and versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an RTSP PLAY request with a long Authorization header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4880 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Hikvision digital video recorder systems, specifically targeting firmware versions including DS-7204 Firmware 2.2.10 build 131009 and numerous other models across various firmware iterations. This security weakness resides within the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) implementation of the affected devices, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication. The flaw manifests when the system processes an RTSP PLAY request containing an excessively long Authorization header, which exceeds the allocated buffer space and subsequently overflows into adjacent memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to craft malicious RTSP requests that deliberately exceed buffer boundaries. When the device processes the malformed Authorization header, the overflow corrupts memory structures including return addresses and program execution flow, enabling remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category, specifically addressing buffer overflow conditions that occur in stack-based buffers, making it particularly dangerous for networked devices that expose RTSP services to external networks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over standard network protocols without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the device's network interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4880 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise including unauthorized access to video feeds, modification of security settings, data exfiltration, and potential use as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, monitor surveillance footage in real-time, or disrupt security operations by disabling or manipulating the DVR functionality. The vulnerability's prevalence across multiple Hikvision models and firmware versions creates widespread exposure, particularly in environments where these devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or security monitoring. This situation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control using real-time streaming protocols, and T1078.004 for legitimate credentials use, as the attack exploits legitimate RTSP functionality to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Hikvision to address the buffer overflow conditions in the RTSP implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected DVR systems from critical network segments and deploy intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for unusual RTSP traffic patterns. Network administrators should consider implementing firewall rules that restrict RTSP access to trusted networks only, while also monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, particularly those handling network protocols and real-time streaming data. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Hikvision devices within their infrastructure and establish monitoring procedures for detecting potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security updates and proper network hygiene practices in industrial control systems and surveillance environments where device security is paramount for operational integrity and data protection.