CVE-2014-9238 in DCS-2103 HD Cube Network Camera
Summary
by MITRE
D-link IP camera DCS-2103 with firmware 1.0.0 allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via the file parameter to cgi-bin/sddownload.cgi, as demonstrated by a / (forward slash) character.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9238 affects D-Link IP camera model DCS-2103 running firmware version 1.0.0, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system paths to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the web interface component of the device, specifically in the cgi-bin/sddownload.cgi script which handles file operations through the file parameter. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file parameter with a forward slash character to traverse the filesystem and disclose the application installation path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the cgi-bin/sddownload.cgi script does not adequately validate or sanitize the file parameter input. When an attacker submits a request containing a forward slash character to the file parameter, the application fails to properly restrict file access and instead reveals the complete installation path of the web application. This information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which categorizes path traversal flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through path traversal methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with knowledge of the application's directory structure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains insight into the device's file system layout, which can facilitate subsequent attacks such as arbitrary file read operations, directory traversal to access sensitive configuration files, or even potential privilege escalation attempts. The exposure of installation paths can also aid in fingerprinting the specific version of the web server or application framework in use, enabling more targeted attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects networked security devices where the exposure of internal system paths can provide attackers with significant advantages in conducting reconnaissance and planning further exploitation activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9238 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the underlying implementation flaw in the sddownload.cgi script. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to trusted networks only, and deploy intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious requests containing path traversal sequences. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable cgi-bin endpoint. Regular security assessments of networked devices should include verification of firmware versions and patch status to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those serving critical infrastructure components where information disclosure can have cascading security implications.