CVE-2017-2846 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 shell characters during manual network configuration resulting in command injection. 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2846 affects Foscam C1 Indoor HD security cameras running firmware version 2.52.2.37, specifically within their web management interface. This represents a critical command injection flaw that exposes the device to remote exploitation through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability resides in the device's handling of manual network configuration parameters, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands directly into the system. The flaw is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer, enabling attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically corresponds to the device's root or administrative account.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the web management interface's network configuration handling routines. When administrators or attackers submit HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters, the system fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before processing them in shell contexts. This creates a direct pathway for command injection attacks where malicious payloads can be executed as system commands, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector requires only a simple HTTP request to the device, making it highly accessible and exploitable without requiring physical access or advanced technical knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially gaining access to network credentials, modifying device configuration, or establishing persistent backdoors. The device's role as a security camera makes it a valuable target for attackers seeking to use it as a pivot point for accessing other network resources, particularly since many users configure these devices on internal networks without proper segmentation. The vulnerability also poses risks to data privacy and integrity, as attackers can potentially access stored video footage, manipulate camera settings, or even disable security features entirely. Additionally, the compromised device can be used to launch further attacks against other systems within the network, making it a potential entry point for broader security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2846 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Foscam, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and apply firewall rules to restrict access to the web management interface to trusted IP addresses only. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual HTTP request patterns or command execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should include verification of device firmware versions and configuration settings to ensure that all networked devices are running patched versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for robust sanitization of all user inputs before processing them in system contexts. System administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for known command injection attack patterns targeting embedded devices and network cameras.