CVE-2017-2112 in TS-WPTCAM
Summary
by MITRE
TS-WPTCAM firmware version 1.18 and earlier, TS-WPTCAM2 firmware version 1.00, TS-WLCE firmware version 1.18 and earlier, TS-WLC2 firmware version 1.18 and earlier, TS-WRLC firmware version 1.17 and earlier, TS-PTCAM firmware version 1.18 and earlier, TS-PTCAM/POE firmware version 1.18 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2112 affects multiple firmware versions of Trendnet network security devices including TS-WPTCAM, TS-WLCE, TS-WLC2, TS-WRLC, TS-PTCAM, and TS-PTCAM/POE models. These devices operate within the IoT and network security domain, serving as surveillance cameras and network monitoring equipment that connect to enterprise and residential networks. The affected firmware versions through 1.18 and earlier contain a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected devices. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to gain full control over the device's operating system and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure that the device connects to.
The technical flaw manifests as an improper input validation mechanism within the firmware's command processing functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted commands through unspecified network vectors that bypass normal authentication and authorization checks. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into operating system commands without proper sanitization or validation. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when developers fail to properly escape or filter input parameters before using them in system calls or command-line operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are often deployed in environments where they are accessible from external networks, making them prime targets for remote exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected network security equipment. Once exploited, adversaries can modify device configurations, install malicious software, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point to launch further attacks against other systems within the network. The affected devices typically operate with elevated privileges and may have access to network resources, camera feeds, and potentially sensitive data that could be exfiltrated or manipulated. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021.001 for remote services, allowing threat actors to establish persistent access and maintain control over the compromised devices for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2112 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Trendnet to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that all firmware versions are updated to the latest secure releases. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit external access to these devices, while intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar weaknesses in other network equipment and establish secure configuration baselines for all IoT and network security devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary services and ports on affected devices, while implementing strong authentication mechanisms and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.