CVE-2014-8384 in IN3128HD Projector
Summary
by MITRE
The InFocus IN3128HD projector with firmware 0.26 does not restrict access to cgi-bin/webctrl.cgi.elf, which allows remote attackers to modify the DHCP server and device IP configuration, reboot the device, change the device name, and have other unspecified impact via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
The CVE-2014-8384 vulnerability affects the InFocus IN3128HD projector running firmware version 0.26, presenting a critical security flaw in the device's web interface implementation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the cgi-bin/webctrl.cgi.elf component, which serves as the primary interface for device management operations. The flaw represents a classic example of inadequate authentication and authorization mechanisms, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute privileged operations on the networked projector device. The vulnerability exists within the device's web server implementation where sensitive administrative functions are exposed without proper access restriction controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform multiple critical administrative operations through crafted HTTP requests sent to the vulnerable web interface. Specifically, remote attackers can modify the device's DHCP server configuration, which allows them to redirect network traffic or disrupt connectivity to the projector. Additionally, the vulnerability permits modification of the device's IP configuration, potentially enabling attackers to gain persistent network access or isolate the device from the network. The ability to reboot the device remotely provides attackers with a means to disrupt services or potentially create conditions for further exploitation. Furthermore, attackers can change the device name, which may be used for social engineering purposes or to confuse network administrators. This vulnerability falls under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and represents a significant weakness in the device's access control implementation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8384 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with substantial control over networked device operations. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could allow attackers to disrupt presentation services, potentially causing business interruptions during critical meetings or presentations. The ability to modify network configuration settings could enable attackers to create man-in-the-middle scenarios or redirect traffic to malicious servers. Network administrators may face challenges in identifying compromised devices since the device name changes could mask the compromise. The vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network, as networked projectors are often connected to internal networks and may not be adequately protected. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8384 should focus on immediate network-level protection measures while seeking firmware updates from the vendor. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict access to the projector's web interface, particularly blocking external access to the specific CGI endpoint. The most effective long-term solution involves updating the device firmware to a version that properly implements access controls for the webctrl.cgi.elf component. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate networked devices like projectors from critical network segments. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected device. Security teams should also review their asset inventories to identify other potentially vulnerable devices from the same vendor or with similar implementations, as this vulnerability may represent a broader pattern in the device's software architecture. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure development practices and the need for thorough security testing of networked device management interfaces.