CVE-2016-8731 in Foscam
Summary
by MITRE
Hard-coded FTP credentials (r:r) are included in the Foscam C1 running firmware 1.9.1.12. Knowledge of these credentials would allow remote access to any cameras found on the internet that do not have port 50021 blocked by an intermediate device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-8731 represents a critical security flaw in Foscam C1 IP camera firmware version 1.9.1.12 where hard-coded credentials r:r are embedded within the device software. This issue falls under the category of hardcoded credentials as classified by CWE-798, which specifically addresses the inclusion of sensitive information directly within source code or firmware without proper obfuscation or dynamic generation. The presence of such credentials creates a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by any attacker who gains knowledge of this specific username and password combination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of default authentication credentials within the firmware image itself, making it impossible for users to change or remove these credentials through normal configuration procedures. The Foscam C1 camera's firmware contains these hardcoded credentials in such a way that they are accessible to anyone who can interact with the device's FTP service on port 50021. This particular port is commonly used for FTP services in IP camera implementations, and when not properly secured or blocked by network firewalls, provides an unauthenticated attack vector for remote exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of security best practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten 2017, specifically addressing the issue of hard-coded credentials in applications and systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual device compromise, as it enables widespread remote access to affected cameras across the internet. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to video feeds, potentially compromising surveillance operations and privacy. The ability to remotely access these devices without requiring any additional authentication information creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these cameras for security monitoring. This vulnerability directly maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1110 category, which includes methods for credential access and exploitation of default credentials. The impact is particularly severe because the default credentials are publicly known and easily accessible through security research communities, making this attack vector highly exploitable at scale.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability is elevated due to the combination of the hardcoded nature of the credentials and the fact that many users fail to properly secure their network infrastructure. When cameras are deployed in environments where port 50021 is not properly firewalled or blocked by intermediate network devices, the attack surface becomes significantly larger. Organizations may unknowingly expose their surveillance systems to unauthorized access, potentially leading to data breaches, privacy violations, and operational disruption. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper network segmentation and firewall configuration as recommended in NIST SP 800-53 security controls. The lack of proper credential management and the inclusion of default credentials in production firmware represents a fundamental failure in secure software development practices and demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes to prevent such issues from being included in released products.