CVE-2017-2844 in C1 Indoor HD Camera
Summary
by MITRE
In the web management interface in Foscam C1 Indoor HD cameras with 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 • 12/09/2022
The Foscam C1 Indoor HD camera represents a significant security vulnerability through CVE-2017-2844, which demonstrates a critical flaw in the device's web management interface. This vulnerability specifically affects firmware version 2.52.2.37 and exposes the device to arbitrary code execution through a carefully crafted HTTP request. The flaw lies in the improper handling of user input within the web interface, where the msmtprc configuration file becomes a vector for malicious data injection. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized control over the device's operational functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the camera's web management subsystem. When an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request, the device fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into the msmtprc configuration file. This misconfiguration creates a direct pathway for command execution, as the injected data can contain malicious commands that the system processes without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input handling practices that align with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which specifically address command injection and code injection flaws respectively. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the device's network interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the camera's functionality and potentially exposes the broader network to additional threats. An attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or use of the compromised camera as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The camera's role as a network-connected device makes it a valuable target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or launch coordinated attacks against other systems. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1071 which addresses application layer protocol usage, demonstrating how the flaw enables attackers to leverage legitimate application functionality for malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2844 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Foscam to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all affected devices are updated to patched firmware versions that properly validate and sanitize user input before processing it within the web management interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit direct exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should include verification of device configurations and firmware versions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through inadequate input validation processes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization in networked devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces that are frequently targeted by cyber adversaries.