CVE-2017-2849 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 NTP server 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 • 12/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2849 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 stems from inadequate input validation during NTP server configuration processes. The vulnerability exists in the device's web-based administrative interface where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed and executed within the system's command shell. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious shell commands through crafted HTTP requests, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that should protect the device's configuration functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user input during NTP server configuration operations. When administrators or attackers submit HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters to configure the NTP server settings, the system fails to validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into system commands. This creates a direct path for arbitrary code execution, as the system processes user-supplied data as if it were legitimate command instructions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws, where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or specialized privileges to exploit, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the device's web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. An attacker who successfully injects commands can gain root-level access to the camera's operating system, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, modification of security settings, installation of persistent malware, or use of the device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as modifying network configurations, accessing stored video feeds, disabling security features, or even using the compromised camera as a launching point for broader network reconnaissance and attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious commands through compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2849 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Foscam to address the underlying command injection flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and apply firewall rules to restrict access to the camera's web management interface. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests targeting the affected devices. Network administrators should consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on malformed HTTP requests containing shell injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for robust security testing of embedded devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their networked devices and maintain up-to-date inventory of all connected IoT and security devices to ensure timely patch management and security hardening.