CVE-2016-6537 in EH6108H+ Hybrid DVR
Summary
by MITRE
AVer Information EH6108H+ devices with firmware X9.03.24.00.07l store passwords in a cleartext base64 format and require cleartext credentials in HTTP Cookie headers, which allows context-dependent attacks to obtain sensitive information by reading these strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The AVer Information EH6108H+ device represents a significant security vulnerability through its improper handling of authentication credentials within the context of network surveillance equipment. This particular device operates with firmware version X9.03.24.00.07l and demonstrates a critical flaw in its credential storage and transmission mechanisms that directly exposes sensitive authentication information to potential attackers. The vulnerability manifests through the device's storage of passwords in cleartext base64 format, which despite appearing encoded, remains easily reversible and accessible to anyone with access to the device's configuration or network traffic. This approach to password storage violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password storage to encompass the device's requirement for cleartext credentials within HTTP Cookie headers during authentication processes. This design choice creates multiple attack vectors for malicious actors, particularly when considering that HTTP cookies are transmitted over the network and can be intercepted through man-in-the-middle attacks or network monitoring techniques. The combination of cleartext base64 encoded passwords stored locally and cleartext credentials required in HTTP headers creates a comprehensive credential exposure scenario that significantly weakens the device's overall security posture. Network traffic analysis tools can readily capture these credentials, while local access to the device configuration allows for direct extraction of the base64 encoded passwords, which can then be decoded to reveal the actual plaintext credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual device credentials, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to surveillance systems and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. The context-dependent nature of this attack means that unauthorized access can occur through various vectors including network eavesdropping, local device compromise, or even social engineering tactics that exploit the predictable nature of cleartext credential handling. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of security systems that rely on these devices for monitoring and access control, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive areas, manipulate surveillance footage, or establish backdoor access points within the network infrastructure. The attack surface aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through credential dumping and network sniffing, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where surveillance systems often serve as critical security components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate credential exposure and the underlying architectural flaws that permit such insecure practices. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and deploy network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on cleartext credential transmission in HTTP headers. The firmware version should be updated to address the storage and transmission issues, though this may not be possible if the vendor has discontinued support for the device. Implementing proper encryption for stored credentials, utilizing secure password hashing mechanisms, and eliminating the requirement for cleartext credentials in HTTP headers represents the fundamental architectural changes needed to resolve this vulnerability. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all network surveillance equipment to identify similar credential handling issues, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insecure authentication implementation that may exist in other network devices within the same ecosystem. The remediation process should include proper credential rotation and network access control measures to prevent exploitation of any credentials that may have already been compromised.