CVE-2017-3185 in Camera
Summary
by MITRE
ACTi cameras including the D, B, I, and E series using firmware version A1D-500-V6.11.31-AC have a web application that uses the GET method to process requests that contain sensitive information such as user account name and password, which can expose that information through the browser's history, referrers, web logs, and other sources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-3185 affects ACTi network cameras across multiple series including D, B, I, and E models that utilize firmware version A1D-500-V6.11.31-AC. This represents a critical security flaw in the web application interface of these surveillance devices that directly impacts how authentication credentials are handled during web requests. The issue stems from the improper use of HTTP GET method for processing sensitive information, creating a fundamental weakness in the authentication mechanism that exposes user credentials to various attack vectors and information disclosure scenarios.
The technical flaw manifests through the web application's reliance on the GET method for transmitting sensitive data including user account names and passwords. When using GET requests, parameters are appended to the URL as query strings, making them visible in multiple locations including browser history, server logs, referrer headers, and potentially third-party analytics tools. This design flaw directly violates established security best practices and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-542 which describes the practice of including sensitive information in URLs, and specifically relates to CWE-312 which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on these surveillance devices. Attackers can exploit this weakness by accessing web server logs, monitoring network traffic, or intercepting referrer information to extract authentication credentials. This creates a significant risk for organizations where these cameras are deployed, particularly in environments with limited network segmentation or inadequate monitoring. The exposure of user credentials through browser history means that any user who accesses the camera interface from a shared or compromised device could inadvertently expose authentication information to other users or attackers. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol: web protocols and T1566 for credential harvesting through various exposure vectors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from ACTi to address the underlying vulnerability, though the specific update may not be available for all affected models. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter and monitor for suspicious GET requests containing authentication parameters, while also ensuring that proper network segmentation is in place to limit access to these devices. The implementation of HTTPS protocols and secure authentication mechanisms should be prioritized, along with regular monitoring of web server logs for unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify other potentially vulnerable devices and implement proper credential management practices including regular credential rotation and multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for regular security assessments of networked devices in enterprise environments.