CVE-2016-5668 in DM-TXRX-100-STR
Summary
by MITRE
Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR devices with firmware before 1.3039.00040 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and change settings via a JSON API call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2016-5668 vulnerability affects Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR video transmission devices that operate with firmware versions prior to 1.3039.00040. These devices are part of Crestron's digital media infrastructure solutions designed for professional audiovisual installations, serving as central control points for managing video signals in conference rooms, lecture halls, and entertainment venues. The vulnerability resides within the device's JSON API implementation, which provides remote management capabilities for system configuration and operation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in networked AV equipment that typically operates in trusted environments but can be exposed to external networks in modern installation scenarios.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the device's web-based management interface. Specifically, the JSON API endpoint fails to properly validate user credentials or implement proper access controls, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to execute administrative functions through carefully crafted API calls. This vulnerability is classified as a weakness in authentication mechanisms under CWE-287, which addresses improper handling of authentication factors. The flaw enables attackers to bypass the normal authentication process entirely, gaining full administrative privileges to modify device settings, access system configurations, and potentially disrupt AV operations. The vulnerability exists because the API does not require proper session management or token validation before executing privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Crestron DM-TXRX-100-STR devices in their AV infrastructure. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to critical system controls, potentially leading to complete device compromise and disruption of audiovisual services. Attackers could modify device settings to redirect video signals, disable system functionality, or create unauthorized access points within the network. In enterprise environments, this could result in service interruptions during important presentations or meetings, while in public installations, it could lead to unauthorized modification of display content or system behavior. The vulnerability also presents a risk for lateral movement within networks, as compromised AV devices often serve as entry points for broader network attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to upgrade all affected devices to firmware version 1.3039.00040 or later, which contains the necessary authentication fixes. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate AV devices from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong access controls for management interfaces, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious API activity. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts and establish regular security audits of AV infrastructure components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for networked devices and demonstrates how seemingly minor authentication flaws can create significant security risks in operational technology environments, particularly in the context of the growing convergence between IT and OT networks.