CVE-2017-11510 in HW0021
Summary
by MITRE
An information leak exists in Wanscam's HW0021 network camera that allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to recover the administrator username and password via an ONVIF GetSnapshotUri request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11510 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Wanscam's HW0021 network camera firmware. This security weakness stems from improper access control mechanisms that fail to adequately authenticate requests to sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the ONVIF GetSnapshotUri service call, which is designed for retrieving snapshot images from IP cameras but has been exploited to extract privileged credentials without requiring valid authentication. The flaw exists at the application layer where the camera's web services interface does not properly validate incoming requests before processing them, creating an attack surface that exposes administrative credentials to any remote attacker. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category for Information Exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for Phishing with Malicious Attachment, as it enables credential harvesting through network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the camera's ONVIF protocol compliance by sending a specifically crafted GetSnapshotUri request that triggers an unintended response containing administrative credentials. The camera's firmware fails to implement proper authentication checks before responding to this request, allowing attackers to bypass standard security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to system configuration data. This information leak occurs because the camera's service implementation does not properly separate public and private API endpoints, enabling attackers to access administrative functions through seemingly benign public interfaces. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation, where the system assumes that legitimate requests from ONVIF clients should be granted full access to system resources without proper credential verification. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to obtain credentials that provide full administrative control over the device, including the ability to modify settings, access video streams, and potentially compromise other systems on the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any network utilizing affected Wanscam devices. Once an attacker obtains the administrative credentials, they can manipulate the camera's configuration, disable security features, or use the device as a pivot point to launch further attacks against the local network. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that even organizations with properly configured firewalls or network segmentation may be vulnerable if they have not updated their camera firmware. This vulnerability also creates a persistent risk for organizations that may not regularly monitor their network devices for such security flaws, as the information leak can occur silently without detection. The exposure of administrative credentials through ONVIF services particularly impacts organizations using IP camera systems for security monitoring, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of these devices. This flaw represents a significant concern for compliance with security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, as it creates a persistent vulnerability that can be exploited for extended periods without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11510 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Wanscam to address the underlying access control implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate IP camera devices from critical network segments, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised, lateral movement remains restricted. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual ONVIF traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around GetSnapshotUri requests. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access controls that limit which systems can communicate with camera devices, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other networked devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates how common protocols like ONVIF can be exploited when proper security controls are not implemented. The remediation process should also include credential rotation for all affected devices and implementation of multi-factor authentication where possible, although this may not be feasible for older camera models that lack such capabilities. Security awareness training for network administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping embedded devices updated and monitoring for unusual network behavior that might indicate credential theft or other exploitation attempts.