CVE-2016-6535 in EH6108H+ Hybrid DVR
Summary
by MITRE
AVer Information EH6108H+ devices with firmware X9.03.24.00.07l have hardcoded accounts, which allows remote attackers to obtain root access by leveraging knowledge of the credentials and establishing a TELNET session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2016-6535 vulnerability affects AVer Information EH6108H+ network video recording devices running firmware version X9.03.24.00.07l and similar models. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the device firmware. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, which constitutes a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture. These devices are commonly deployed in surveillance and security monitoring applications, making their compromise particularly concerning for organizations relying on them for critical infrastructure protection.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of hard-coded administrative credentials within the device firmware itself. Attackers who discover these predetermined username and password combinations can establish unauthorized TELNET sessions to gain root access to the system. This approach bypasses normal authentication procedures and allows full administrative control over the device. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote exploitation without requiring any prior knowledge of the device's configuration or user accounts. The TELNET protocol, while commonly used for remote administration, lacks encryption by default, making credential interception possible during transmission. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which describes the use of valid accounts for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the surveillance system. Once compromised, adversaries can manipulate recorded footage, disable security features, modify system configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The device's role in security monitoring means that such compromise could go undetected for extended periods, potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access while the organization remains unaware of the breach. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of data exposure, system manipulation, and potential denial of service attacks that could compromise their entire security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credentials issue. The primary remediation involves updating the firmware to a version that removes or randomizes the hard-coded credentials, which AVer Information has addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices, disable unused services including TELNET, and enforce the use of secure protocols such as SSH for remote administration. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized TELNET connections, conducting regular security audits of networked devices, and establishing proper credential management procedures. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious TELNET activity and ensure that all network devices undergo regular security assessments to identify similar hardcoded credential vulnerabilities.