CVE-2017-3209 in U818A
Summary
by MITRE
The DBPOWER U818A WIFI quadcopter drone provides FTP access over its own local access point, and allows full file permissions to the anonymous user. The DBPower U818A WIFI quadcopter drone runs an FTP server that by default allows anonymous access without a password, and provides full filesystem read/write permissions to the anonymous user. A remote user within range of the open access point on the drone may utilize the anonymous user of the FTP server to read arbitrary files, such as images and video recorded by the device, or to replace system files such as /etc/shadow to gain further access to the device. Furthermore, the DBPOWER U818A WIFI quadcopter drone uses BusyBox 1.20.2, which was released in 2012, and may be vulnerable to other known BusyBox vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The DBPOWER U818A WIFI quadcopter drone presents a critical security vulnerability through its default FTP server configuration that exposes sensitive data and system resources to unauthorized access. This device operates an FTP service that permits anonymous connections without authentication requirements, creating an inherent security flaw that violates fundamental network security principles. The anonymous user account is granted full read/write permissions to the entire filesystem, effectively providing attackers with complete control over the device's operational capabilities and data storage. This configuration represents a severe misconfiguration that aligns with CWE-255 Credential Management Issues, specifically addressing the absence of proper authentication mechanisms and overly permissive access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential privacy violations. Remote attackers within range of the drone's open access point can exploit the anonymous FTP access to extract sensitive multimedia content including recorded images and videos, which may contain personal information or proprietary data. More critically, the attacker can replace critical system files such as /etc/shadow, enabling them to modify user accounts and potentially escalate privileges within the device's operating environment. This capability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials or default accounts to maintain persistent access and execute malicious activities. The vulnerability also exposes the device to file system manipulation attacks that could render the drone inoperable or compromise its flight control systems.
The security implications are exacerbated by the drone's outdated software stack, specifically the BusyBox 1.20.2 implementation that was released in 2012 and contains numerous known vulnerabilities. This outdated component represents a significant risk as it lacks modern security features and has been identified with multiple security flaws including buffer overflows, privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and command injection issues. The combination of the exposed FTP service with the vulnerable BusyBox version creates a particularly dangerous attack surface where an attacker could potentially chain multiple exploits to achieve complete system compromise. This situation demonstrates the critical importance of keeping embedded systems updated and highlights the risks associated with legacy software in IoT devices. The vulnerability essentially transforms the drone from a consumer electronics device into a potential entry point for broader network attacks, as the compromised device could serve as a pivot point for accessing other network resources within range.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network isolation and configuration changes to address the core FTP vulnerability. Organizations and individuals should disable or restrict FTP services on the device whenever possible, and implement proper authentication mechanisms if FTP access is required for legitimate purposes. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to the drone's access point, while firmware updates should be sought from the manufacturer to address the outdated BusyBox component. Security assessments should include comprehensive network scanning to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the device's software stack, and regular security audits should be conducted to ensure proper configuration management and prevent similar issues in other IoT devices within the network infrastructure.