CVE-2016-2358 in IP Security Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Milesight IP security cameras through 2016-11-14 have a default set of 10 privileged accounts with hardcoded credentials. They are accessible if the customer has not configured 10 actual user accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Milesight IP security cameras that affects devices up to a specific firmware release date. The issue stems from a fundamental design oversight where manufacturers embedded default administrative credentials directly into the device firmware, creating a persistent backdoor access mechanism. This flaw aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems. The vulnerability exists because the camera firmware contains ten pre-configured administrator accounts with hardcoded passwords that cannot be easily changed or removed by legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows unauthorized parties to gain immediate administrative access to affected devices simply by knowing the default credentials. This default configuration creates a scenario where any individual who can access the network and knows the hardcoded account names and passwords can assume full control of the security camera system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the device level rather than through network protocols or applications, making it extremely difficult to detect through standard network monitoring techniques. The hardcoded nature of these credentials means that even if users attempt to change passwords, the default accounts remain accessible unless explicitly disabled by the manufacturer, which is not always the default behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access. Once an attacker gains administrative control, they can modify camera settings, disable security features, capture and manipulate video feeds, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This represents a significant risk to physical security systems and can lead to complete compromise of surveillance infrastructure. The vulnerability also enables persistent access to the network, as these accounts can be used to maintain long-term control over the affected devices. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate accounts and credential access, allowing adversaries to maintain access to systems without detection.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unused default accounts, changing all default credentials to strong, unique passwords, and ensuring proper network segmentation to limit access to these devices. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and implement proper access controls through firewall rules and network access control lists. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and proper device lifecycle management practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar hardcoded credential issues in other networked devices. Additionally, manufacturers should be required to implement proper authentication mechanisms that do not rely on hardcoded credentials and should provide clear documentation on how to properly secure devices during initial deployment.