CVE-2017-15236 in IP Cameras
Summary
by MITRE
Tiandy IP cameras 5.56.17.120 do not properly restrict a certain proprietary protocol, which allows remote attackers to read settings via a crafted request to TCP port 3001, as demonstrated by config* files and extendword.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15236 affects Tiandy IP cameras running firmware version 5.56.17.120 and represents a critical access control flaw that exposes sensitive configuration data to remote attackers. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and protocol restriction mechanisms within the camera's proprietary communication system, specifically targeting TCP port 3001 which serves as the primary interface for device management operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control, which encompasses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access restricted resources or functionality. The affected protocol lacks proper authentication and authorization checks, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring legitimate credentials or prior access to the network.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a proprietary protocol that operates on TCP port 3001 and fails to properly validate incoming requests from remote hosts. Attackers can craft specifically formatted requests that bypass normal access controls and gain access to sensitive configuration files including config* files and extendword.txt which contain critical system parameters, network settings, and potentially authentication credentials. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the system accepts malformed or unauthorized requests without proper verification mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers exploit protocol weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to system resources, though in this case the protocol in question is proprietary rather than standard DNS.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to extract complete device configuration information without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials. The exposed config* files and extendword.txt typically contain sensitive data such as network configuration parameters, user accounts, password hashes, and system settings that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Once attackers gain access to these configuration files, they can potentially escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or use the gathered information to launch targeted attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability affects network security monitoring systems that rely on proper access controls, as it allows unauthorized access to device management interfaces that should remain protected from external threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper network segmentation and access control measures to restrict access to TCP port 3001. Network administrators should deploy firewalls and access control lists that limit which hosts can communicate with the camera's management port, ensuring only authorized management systems can access these interfaces. The device firmware should be updated to a version that properly validates incoming requests and implements authentication mechanisms for protocol access. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns on port 3001 and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper protocol design and input validation, particularly for proprietary systems that may not undergo the same level of security scrutiny as standardized protocols. Security assessments should include thorough testing of all network interfaces and communication protocols to identify similar access control weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.