CVE-2017-17101 in APM-H803-MPC
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Apexis APM-H803-MPC software, as used with many different models of IP Camera. An unprotected CGI method inside the web application permits an unauthenticated user to bypass the login screen and access the webcam contents including: live video stream, configuration files with all the passwords, system information, and much more. With this vulnerability, anyone can access to a vulnerable webcam with 'super admin' privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17101 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Apexis APM-H803-MPC software implementations across multiple IP camera models. This issue stems from the improper implementation of access controls within the web application interface, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to circumvent the standard login mechanism entirely. The vulnerability manifests through an unprotected common gateway interface method that serves as an entry point into the camera's administrative functions, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of web application parameters that should normally require authentication credentials to access. The unprotected CGI method allows attackers to directly invoke administrative functions without presenting valid login credentials, effectively granting full administrative privileges to any external party. This flaw enables unauthorized users to access live video streams, extract sensitive configuration files containing plaintext passwords, retrieve system information, and potentially modify camera settings. The severity is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability provides super administrator privileges, meaning attackers can fully control the device and potentially use it as a pivot point for broader network attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on IP cameras for security monitoring and surveillance. The exposure of live video feeds to unauthenticated users represents a direct violation of privacy and security protocols, while the access to configuration files containing passwords creates potential for credential compromise and lateral movement within networks. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise, as these cameras often serve as entry points for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to corporate networks. The vulnerability affects multiple camera models, suggesting a widespread issue that would require coordinated remediation efforts across various security infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this flaw aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which involves legitimate credentials obtained through exploitation of weak or default authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from manufacturers, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and the deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper authentication implementation in embedded web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data.