CVE-2016-5676 in ReadyNAS Surveillance
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-bin/cgi_system in NUUO NVRmini 2 1.7.5 through 2.x, NUUO NVRsolo 1.7.5 through 2.x, and NETGEAR ReadyNAS Surveillance 1.1.1 through 1.4.1 allows remote attackers to reset the administrator password via a cmd=loaddefconfig action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5676 represents a critical security flaw in network video recorder systems manufactured by NUUO and NETGEAR. This vulnerability specifically affects the cgi-bin/cgi_system component of various NUUO NVRmini 2 and NVRsolo devices running firmware versions 1.7.5 through 2.x, as well as NETGEAR ReadyNAS Surveillance devices with firmware versions 1.1.1 through 1.4.1. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit a command injection mechanism that allows arbitrary administrative actions without proper authentication, fundamentally compromising the security posture of these surveillance systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and authentication mechanisms within the web-based administration interface of these devices. When an attacker crafts a specific HTTP request containing the cmd=loaddefconfig parameter, the system processes this command without adequate verification of the user's authorization status or the legitimacy of the requested action. This design flaw falls under the CWE-863 category of "Incorrect Authorization" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing. The vulnerability essentially allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute administrative commands that reset the administrator password, effectively providing complete control over the device's configuration and access to all recorded video footage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password reset capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and confidentiality of surveillance systems that organizations rely upon for security monitoring. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to video feeds, modify system configurations, disable security features, and potentially use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network attacks. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed surveillance deployments. This vulnerability also exposes organizations to potential compliance violations, as it compromises the security controls necessary for protecting sensitive video data in regulated environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from manufacturers, network segmentation to isolate surveillance equipment, and implementation of additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication for administrative access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive security data. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious requests containing the cmd=loaddefconfig parameter and establish regular security audits of all networked surveillance equipment. The incident highlights the necessity of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in IoT and embedded security devices, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-30 and ISO/IEC 27001 requirements for risk management and security controls.