CVE-2017-2914 in Circle with Disney
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the API daemon of Circle with Disney running firmware 2.0.1. A specially crafted token can bypass the authentication routine of the Apid binary, causing the device to grant unintended administrative access. An attacker needs network connectivity to the device to trigger this vulnerability.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-2914 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the Circle with Disney device firmware version 2.0.1. This device, designed for children's safety and monitoring, operates through an API daemon that handles administrative access controls. The flaw resides in the Apid binary's authentication routine, which fails to properly validate authentication tokens, creating a pathway for unauthorized administrative access. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's API daemon component, which serves as the primary interface for administrative functions and device configuration. The authentication bypass occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially formatted token that circumvents the normal authentication checks, allowing arbitrary access to administrative functions without proper credentials.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of weak token validation where the system accepts malformed or specially crafted tokens without sufficient verification mechanisms. The attack vector requires only network connectivity to the device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without physical access. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as administrative privileges would grant attackers complete control over the device's monitoring functions, potentially exposing children's data and compromising the device's intended safety features. The vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the device's security architecture where authentication controls are bypassed through token manipulation rather than credential theft or brute force attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker with network access could potentially gain full administrative control over the Circle with Disney device, enabling them to modify monitoring settings, access stored data, and potentially manipulate the device's core functionality. This could lead to privacy violations, unauthorized surveillance, and compromise of the device's primary safety mechanisms. The vulnerability affects not just the device itself but also the families who rely on it for children's protection. The remote exploit capability means that attackers could target devices from anywhere with network connectivity, creating a widespread security risk. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as the attacker gains elevated privileges without detection through normal authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Circle, as the manufacturer would need to implement proper token validation mechanisms and strengthen authentication routines. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to the device's API endpoints, reducing the attack surface. Regular security audits of API implementations should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust authentication design in IoT devices, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in security-critical environments. Proper input validation and token verification mechanisms should be implemented to prevent similar flaws in future device development cycles, ensuring that authentication bypass attacks cannot be carried out through simple token manipulation techniques.