CVE-2017-15290 in Video Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Mirasys Video Management System (VMS) 6.x before 6.4.6, 7.x before 7.5.15, and 8.x before 8.1.1 has a login process in which cleartext data is sent from a server to a client, and not all of this data is required for the client functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The Mirasys Video Management System vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15290 represents a critical security flaw in the authentication process of multiple versions of the VMS software. This vulnerability affects versions 6.x prior to 6.4.6, 7.x prior to 7.5.15, and 8.x prior to 8.1.1, creating a significant exposure in video surveillance environments where authentication data is transmitted in cleartext format. The issue stems from the server's improper handling of authentication data during the login process, where sensitive information flows to client systems without adequate encryption or data minimization practices.
The technical flaw manifests in the transmission of unnecessary cleartext data from server to client during authentication, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure communication. This vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and aligns with CWE-310, concerning cryptographic issues in authentication processes. The flaw enables attackers to intercept authentication data during network transmission, potentially capturing credentials or session information that should remain protected. This weakness creates opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks and credential theft, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it undermines the integrity of the entire authentication system within Mirasys VMS deployments. Organizations utilizing affected versions face increased risk of unauthorized access to video surveillance systems, potentially allowing attackers to view, modify, or manipulate security footage and system configurations. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial security environments where video management systems are critical for monitoring and access control, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise physical security infrastructure. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that not all transmitted data is required for client functionality, indicating poor implementation of data transmission protocols and unnecessary information exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15290 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 6.4.6, 7.5.15, or 8.1.1, respectively, which address the cleartext transmission issue through proper encryption implementation. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and monitoring for anomalous authentication traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and defense evasion, particularly T1110 for credential access and T1046 for network service scanning that attackers might employ to exploit such weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic encryption using protocols like TLS to protect against interception of authentication data, while conducting thorough security assessments to identify other potential cleartext transmission vulnerabilities within their video management infrastructure.