CVE-2017-18377 in Wireless IP Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Wireless IP Camera (P2P) WIFICAM cameras. There is Command Injection in the set_ftp.cgi script via shell metacharacters in the pwd variable, as demonstrated by a set_ftp.cgi?svr=192.168.1.1&port=21&user=ftp URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18377 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting Wireless IP Camera models manufactured by WIFICAM, specifically those implementing the P2P (Peer-to-Peer) networking protocol. This security weakness resides within the set_ftp.cgi web script component of the camera's firmware, which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the pwd variable parameter receives shell metacharacters, enabling malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer within the camera's web interface, making it accessible through standard HTTP requests that can be easily crafted and deployed by attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the set_ftp.cgi script, which directly incorporates user-supplied values into system commands without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. When an attacker constructs a malicious URI such as set_ftp.cgi?svr=192.168.1.1&port=21&user=ftp followed by crafted shell metacharacters in the pwd parameter, the camera's web server executes these commands with the privileges of the web application process. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to the device's underlying operating system, execute arbitrary code, and perform actions such as modifying network configurations, accessing stored data, or even installing malicious software. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which respectively address command injection and code injection flaws in software applications. From an operational perspective, this weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which encompasses command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, involving exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18377 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the affected wireless cameras. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access to the network through the compromised camera, potentially using it as a foothold for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but entire networks of interconnected cameras, as the compromised device can serve as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. Security researchers have documented similar patterns of exploitation in IoT devices where web interfaces lack proper input validation, leading to widespread compromise of home and enterprise surveillance systems. The low complexity of exploitation combined with the high impact makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where cameras are deployed without adequate network segmentation or monitoring. Organizations utilizing these devices face potential data breaches, privacy violations, and unauthorized surveillance access, as the compromised cameras can be used to capture and transmit sensitive information to external attackers. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for comprehensive security testing of IoT devices before deployment in production environments.