CVE-2017-2841 in C1 Indoor HD Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable command injection vulnerability exists in the web management interface used by the Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera running application firmware 2.52.2.37. A specially crafted HTTP request can allow for a user to inject arbitrary data in the "msmtprc" configuration file resulting in command execution. An attacker can simply send an HTTP request to the device to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The CVE-2017-2841 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera firmware version 2.52.2.37, exposing the device to remote exploitation through its web management interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the camera's configuration handling mechanisms, specifically affecting the msmtprc configuration file that manages email relay settings. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious commands through crafted HTTP requests, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and potentially compromising the entire device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper sanitization of user-supplied input when processing HTTP requests to the camera's web interface. When an attacker submits a malicious request containing specially crafted data, the system fails to properly validate or escape the input before writing it to the msmtprc configuration file. This configuration file is subsequently processed by the system's mail transfer agent, creating a direct path for command injection attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as it allows for command injection through improper input handling, specifically within the context of web application security where user input is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in IoT environments where devices often lack proper security updates and may be deployed in sensitive locations such as residential or commercial indoor surveillance systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to video feeds, modify device configurations, or use the compromised camera as a pivot point for further network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2841 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Foscam, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the camera's web management interface, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary services and ports, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive network security monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that IoT devices remain secure against similar command injection vulnerabilities.