CVE-2017-17020 in DCS-5009
Summary
by MITRE
On D-Link DCS-5009 devices with firmware 1.08.11 and earlier, DCS-5010 devices with firmware 1.14.09 and earlier, and DCS-5020L devices with firmware before 1.15.01, command injection in alphapd (binary responsible for running the camera's web server) allows remote authenticated attackers to execute code through sanitized /setSystemAdmin user input in the AdminID field being passed directly to a call to system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17020 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting several D-Link network camera models including the DCS-5009, DCS-5010, and DCS-5020L series. This vulnerability exists within the alphapd binary component that manages the camera's web server functionality, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The flaw stems from improper input sanitization within the AdminID field of the /setSystemAdmin user input handling mechanism, where user-supplied data is directly passed to system calls without adequate validation or escaping. The vulnerability affects specific firmware versions where the alphapd binary fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into system commands, creating a direct injection vector that bypasses normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which describes command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input in the AdminID field that, when processed by the alphapd binary, gets executed as system commands. This allows unauthorized remote code execution with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only authenticated access, meaning an attacker who can establish a valid session with the device can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the camera's operations, including access to stored credentials, network configuration changes, and potential lateral movement within the network.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-17020 extend beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network cameras that often serve as critical components in security monitoring infrastructures. These devices typically operate in environments where they are not frequently updated, making them attractive targets for persistent threat actors. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish backdoors, modify camera settings to disable security features, or redirect network traffic through compromised devices. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate authentication mechanisms to exploit the command injection flaw. The attack surface is further expanded when these cameras are part of larger surveillance networks, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire security ecosystems through a single vulnerable device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17020 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate security cameras from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services on the cameras, implementing strict access controls through firewall rules, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other devices running the affected firmware versions and establish monitoring protocols for detecting unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of firmware updates in controlled environments before deployment to ensure operational stability while addressing the security vulnerability effectively.