CVE-2017-2855 in C1 Indoor HD Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the DDNS client used by the Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera running application firmware 2.52.2.43. On devices with DDNS enabled, an attacker who is able to intercept HTTP connections will be able to fully compromise the device by creating a rogue HTTP server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-2855 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Dynamic Domain Name System client implementation of the Foscam C1 Indoor HD Camera firmware version 2.52.2.43. This weakness resides in the device's handling of network communications and specifically affects the DDNS functionality that allows cameras to maintain dynamic IP address mappings for remote access. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the camera's embedded web server components that process DDNS update requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the network protocol level, making it accessible through man-in-the-middle attacks that exploit the device's reliance on unencrypted HTTP communications for DDNS updates.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when an attacker intercepts the HTTP traffic between the camera and its DDNS server, particularly when the device is configured to use DDNS for remote access. The attacker can then set up a rogue HTTP server that sends specially crafted responses to the camera during DDNS update processes. When the camera's vulnerable DDNS client attempts to process these malicious responses, it fails to properly validate the length of incoming data, leading to a buffer overflow condition that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This overflow can potentially overwrite critical program execution pointers or control structures, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code on the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-known weakness pattern that has been exploited in numerous network device compromises. The attack vector requires network interception capabilities but does not require physical access to the device or sophisticated attack infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple device compromise, as it enables complete takeover of the Foscam C1 camera through a relatively straightforward network-based attack. Once compromised, the attacker gains full control over the camera's network communications, video streaming capabilities, and access to the device's local storage. The vulnerability affects all devices running the specific firmware version 2.52.2.43, making it particularly dangerous for large deployments where multiple cameras may be running the same vulnerable firmware. The attack can be executed without requiring authentication or specialized knowledge of the camera's internal workings, as the flaw exists in the network protocol handling rather than in user-facing interfaces. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to automated attack tools and increases the risk of widespread exploitation across networks where Foscam devices are deployed. The compromise of these devices can lead to privacy violations, unauthorized surveillance access, and potential use as entry points for further attacks within the network infrastructure, aligning with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for application layer protocol tunneling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to update the firmware to a version that addresses the buffer overflow condition, which requires users to access the camera's web interface or local network management tools to perform the update process. However, given the nature of the vulnerability, network administrators should also implement additional security measures such as network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to camera devices and the enforcement of encrypted communications protocols where possible. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate an active attack attempt against DDNS clients. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls that prevent direct internet access to devices running vulnerable firmware and ensure that DDNS updates are handled through secure, authenticated channels. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular firmware updates and security assessments of network-connected devices, particularly those with exposed network services.