CVE-2017-11632 in Wireless IP Camera 360
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Wireless IP Camera 360 devices. A root account with a known SHA-512 password hash exists, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain administrative access via a TELNET session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11632 represents a critical security flaw in Wireless IP Camera 360 devices that directly compromises the integrity of the device's authentication mechanism. This weakness stems from the inclusion of a hardcoded root account with a known password hash, creating a persistent backdoor that significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected surveillance equipment. The vulnerability specifically affects devices that implement TELNET services for remote administration, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where these cameras are deployed for security monitoring purposes.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a hardcoded credential configuration that violates fundamental security principles for embedded systems and IoT devices. The presence of a root account with a known SHA-512 password hash represents a classic case of hard-coded credentials, which is categorized under CWE-798 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This weakness allows remote attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures by simply establishing a TELNET session and using the predetermined credentials to gain administrative privileges. The SHA-512 hashing mechanism, while cryptographically sound in isolation, becomes ineffective when the hash value itself is publicly known and embedded within the device firmware, rendering the cryptographic protection meaningless.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected IP cameras. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify camera settings, disable security features, manipulate recorded footage, and potentially use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration. The TELNET protocol's inherent lack of encryption makes this vulnerability even more dangerous, as credentials and commands transmitted over the network can be easily intercepted and analyzed. This attack vector aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1075 credential access tactic, specifically targeting remote services and weak authentication mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given the widespread deployment of IP cameras in both corporate and residential environments. Organizations relying on these devices for security monitoring face significant risks including data breaches, privacy violations, and potential use as pivoting points for attacks on other networked systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure software development practices, where hard-coded credentials are included in production firmware without proper security review. Network administrators should immediately implement mitigation strategies including disabling TELNET services, changing default credentials on all devices, and deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such compromises. Regular firmware updates and comprehensive security assessments of networked devices remain essential practices to address similar vulnerabilities in embedded systems and prevent exploitation of hardcoded credentials in future deployments.