CVE-2016-5666 in DM-TXRX-100-STR
Summary
by MITRE
Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR devices with firmware before 1.3039.00040 rely on the client to perform authentication, which allows remote attackers to obtain access by setting the value of objresp.authenabled to 1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2016-5666 vulnerability affects Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR devices, which are networked display and audiovisual control systems used in enterprise and commercial environments. These devices operate as part of larger AV infrastructure deployments where secure access controls are critical for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized system manipulation. The vulnerability stems from a flawed authentication implementation that undermines the security model of the device's web-based management interface.
This security weakness represents a fundamental failure in the device's authentication mechanism where the system delegates authentication responsibility to the client-side component rather than enforcing server-side verification. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the objresp.authenabled parameter, setting it to 1 which effectively bypasses the device's intended access controls. This type of flaw falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and can be classified as CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication vulnerabilities. The issue demonstrates a classic case of trust boundary violation where the system incorrectly trusts client-provided information without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized control of critical AV infrastructure. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative privileges on the affected devices, potentially allowing them to modify display configurations, control audiovisual equipment, or even disrupt business operations in environments where these systems are deployed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise settings where such devices might be connected to internal networks and could serve as entry points for lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. The weakness creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access to networked AV systems that may not be regularly monitored or updated. Organizations using Crestron DM-TXRX-100-STR devices should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 1.3039.00040 or later, network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical systems, and implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous access patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication design principles where systems should never rely on client-side parameters for security-critical operations, emphasizing the need for server-side validation and enforcement of access controls.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate how embedded systems and IoT devices often suffer from inadequate security implementation due to resource constraints or legacy design decisions. This flaw underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of networked devices, particularly those used in mission-critical environments where unauthorized access could have significant operational and financial consequences. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.