CVE-2017-17105 in PR115-204-P-RS
Summary
by MITRE
Zivif PR115-204-P-RS V2.3.4.2103 web cameras are vulnerable to unauthenticated, blind remote command injection via CGI scripts used as part of the web interface, as demonstrated by a cgi-bin/iptest.cgi?cmd=iptest.cgi&-time="1504225666237"&-url=$(reboot) request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17105 affects Zivif PR115-204-P-RS V2.3.4.2103 web cameras, representing a critical security flaw that allows unauthenticated remote command execution through improperly validated input parameters in CGI scripts. This vulnerability specifically targets the web interface components of the device, where the cgi-bin/iptest.cgi endpoint fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, creating a blind command injection vector that can be exploited without requiring authentication credentials. The flaw exists within the device's web server implementation, where command-line arguments are directly passed to system execution functions without adequate validation or sanitization, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands through the URL parameter structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, where user-controllable data is incorporated into shell commands without proper input validation. The attack vector operates through the specific URL pattern where the cmd parameter accepts arbitrary command execution directives, as evidenced by the demonstration using $(reboot) which would cause the device to reboot when processed. This blind injection occurs because the system does not provide immediate feedback about command execution success or failure, making it difficult for attackers to verify their commands were properly executed while still allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability exists in the web server's CGI processing layer, where the iptest.cgi script fails to implement proper input sanitization or parameter validation before passing data to system commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web camera devices. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with system-level permissions on embedded devices. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to device rebooting, network scanning, data exfiltration, installation of backdoors, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The unauthenticated nature of the vulnerability means that any attacker with network access can exploit it, making these devices particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is lacking or where network segmentation is inadequate. The blind nature of the injection also complicates exploitation efforts for defenders, as they may not immediately detect that commands are being executed on their systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network-level protections combined with device-specific remediation measures. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to block access to the affected CGI endpoints, particularly the cgi-bin/iptest.cgi path, and restrict access to these devices to trusted networks only. Device firmware updates should be applied immediately if available, as this vulnerability represents a known issue that vendors typically address through firmware patches. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical systems, monitoring network traffic for suspicious command injection patterns, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with command injection attacks, as well as establishing proper device management protocols that include regular firmware updates and access control reviews. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and demonstrates the critical need for input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications running on networked devices. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage command injection vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely.