CVE-2016-2359 in IP Security Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Milesight IP security cameras through 2016-11-14 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and access a protected resource by simultaneously making a request for the unprotected vb.htm resource.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2359 affects Milesight IP security cameras with firmware versions released through November 14, 2016, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that compromises the security posture of these networked devices. This vulnerability stems from a design flaw in the camera's web interface implementation where the system fails to properly enforce authentication controls when processing simultaneous HTTP requests. The flaw specifically manifests when an attacker simultaneously requests both an unprotected resource vb.htm and a protected resource, exploiting a race condition or improper session handling mechanism that allows unauthorized access to restricted administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement within web application frameworks, aligning with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The flaw operates by leveraging the camera's web server to process multiple concurrent requests where the authentication check for the protected resource is bypassed due to the timing of request processing or improper state management between simultaneous connections. This allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces, potentially enabling complete system compromise including configuration changes, firmware updates, video stream access, and device management capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent entry points into security camera networks that are typically considered critical infrastructure components. Security camera systems often serve as surveillance tools for sensitive locations including corporate offices, government facilities, and residential properties, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Attackers can exploit this flaw to monitor activities, capture video feeds, modify camera settings, disable security features, or even use the compromised cameras as stepping stones for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices or network proximity, making it a significant threat to organizations with distributed camera deployments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Milesight to address the authentication bypass issue, network segmentation to isolate camera devices from critical systems, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper session management and authentication control implementation in embedded web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which addresses credential harvesting. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists can help limit exposure, while regular security audits of networked devices should be conducted to identify similar implementation flaws. The incident underscores the necessity of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive data or providing network access to critical infrastructure components.