CVE-2014-9263 in Video Management Software
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the PocketNetNVRMediaClientAxCtrl.NVRMediaViewer.1 control in 3S Pocketnet Tech VMS allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted string to the (1) StartRecord, (2) StartRecordEx, (3) StartScheduledRecord, (4) SetDisplayText, (5) GetONVIFDeviceInformation, (6) GetONVIFProfiles, or (7) GetONVIFStreamUri method or a crafted filename to the (8) SaveCurrentImage or (9) SaveCurrentImageEx method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9263 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting the PocketNetNVRMediaClientAxCtrl.NVRMediaViewer.1 ActiveX control within the 3S Pocketnet Tech Video Management System VMS software. This flaw exists in multiple methods of the ActiveX control, creating a significant attack surface that allows remote code execution through specially crafted input strings. The vulnerability affects versions of the software that utilize this specific ActiveX control for media handling and network communication functionalities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the ActiveX control's method handlers. When processing method calls such as StartRecord, StartRecordEx, or SetDisplayText, the control fails to properly validate the length of incoming string parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the software does not perform adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. The vulnerability specifically affects methods that handle ONVIF protocol communications and image saving operations, making it particularly dangerous for networked video surveillance systems. The flaw manifests when the software processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it affects the fundamental security posture of video surveillance networks that rely on the 3S Pocketnet Tech VMS platform. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to video feeds, system compromise, and data exfiltration from security infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations using networked surveillance equipment. The vulnerability affects multiple methods within the ActiveX control, increasing the attack surface and providing multiple potential entry points for exploitation. Organizations utilizing this software are at risk of having their security infrastructure compromised, which could lead to unauthorized surveillance access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9263 should focus on immediate software updates and security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the buffer overflow conditions in the ActiveX control. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable software, particularly those handling sensitive video surveillance data. Disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers and implementing strict input validation measures can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and regularly audit system configurations to ensure that vulnerable components are not exposed to unnecessary network access.