CVE-2015-8252 in Videofied Device
Summary
by MITRE
The Frontel protocol before 3 on RSI Video Technologies Videofied devices sends a cleartext serial number, which allows remote attackers to determine a hardcoded key by sniffing the network and performing a "jumbled up" calculation with this number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8252 represents a critical security flaw in the Frontel protocol implementation found in RSI Video Technologies Videofied devices. This weakness stems from the protocol's failure to properly encrypt sensitive information during network transmission, specifically exposing serial numbers in cleartext format. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Frontel protocol prior to version 3, indicating a long-standing security issue that was not adequately addressed in the device firmware or communication protocols. The exposed serial numbers create a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with network access to these devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves network sniffing techniques to capture the cleartext serial number transmissions that occur during normal device communication. Once obtained, attackers can perform a specific mathematical calculation referred to as the "jumbled up" computation to derive hardcoded cryptographic keys used by the device. This process represents a form of cryptographic key recovery attack that leverages predictable patterns in device communication protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates poor implementation of security-by-design principles where sensitive cryptographic material is transmitted without adequate protection mechanisms. This flaw directly violates fundamental security practices outlined in industry standards such as those referenced in CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and the improper handling of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables full compromise of affected devices through key recovery attacks. Attackers can leverage the recovered cryptographic keys to gain unauthorized access to device management functions, potentially leading to complete system control and data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects video surveillance and security infrastructure deployments where these devices are commonly used, creating risks for organizations relying on secure video management systems. Network-based attacks can be executed from remote locations without requiring physical access to the devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise security environments. The exposure of hardcoded keys through cleartext transmission represents a classic case of insufficient cryptographic implementation that allows for automated exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8252 require immediate firmware updates from RSI Video Technologies to implement proper encryption of serial numbers and other sensitive information within the Frontel protocol. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized network sniffing activities that could lead to exploitation. The implementation of secure communication protocols such as TLS or IPSec should be enforced to protect against cleartext transmission of sensitive data. Network administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar implementation flaws in other network protocols and communication systems within the organization's infrastructure.