CVE-2017-3223 in IP Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Dahua IP camera products using firmware versions prior to V2.400.0000.14.R.20170713 include a version of the Sonia web interface that may be vulnerable to a stack buffer overflow. Dahua IP camera products include an application known as Sonia (/usr/bin/sonia) that provides the web interface and other services for controlling the IP camera remotely. Versions of Sonia included in firmware versions prior to DH_IPC-Consumer-Zi-Themis_Eng_P_V2.408.0000.11.R.20170621 do not validate input data length for the 'password' field of the web interface. A remote, unauthenticated attacker may submit a crafted POST request to the IP camera's Sonia web interface that may lead to out-of-bounds memory operations and loss of availability or remote code execution. The issue was originally identified by the researcher in firmware version DH_IPC-HX1X2X-Themis_EngSpnFrn_N_V2.400.0000.30.R.20160803.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-3223 represents a critical stack buffer overflow flaw within Dahua IP camera products that affects firmware versions prior to V2.400.0000.14.R.20170713. This security weakness resides in the Sonia web interface component, which serves as the primary application for remote camera control and management. The Sonia application located at /usr/bin/sonia processes web requests and provides the user interface for configuring and operating Dahua IP cameras. The vulnerability specifically targets the password field validation mechanism within the web interface, where input length checks are either absent or insufficient to prevent malicious data injection attempts. This flaw enables attackers to exploit the application's memory handling behavior through carefully crafted POST requests.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates by exploiting the lack of proper input validation for the password parameter, allowing a remote unauthenticated attacker to submit maliciously formatted data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. When the application processes this oversized input, it overflows the stack buffer and potentially corrupts adjacent memory regions including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution or complete system compromise, as demonstrated by the vulnerability's ability to lead to remote code execution. The issue was initially discovered in firmware version DH_IPC-HX1X2X-Themis_EngSpnFrn_N_V2.400.0000.30.R.20160803, indicating that the vulnerability had been present for over a year before being publicly disclosed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple availability disruption to encompass full system compromise capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.1001 for command and control through remote code execution. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected surveillance systems. The attack surface includes all Dahua IP camera models that utilize the affected Sonia web interface component, potentially affecting thousands of devices deployed in enterprise and industrial environments. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation that maintains long-term access to network infrastructure. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of unauthorized surveillance access and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3223 require immediate firmware updates to versions that include proper input validation for the password field. Dahua released firmware versions including DH_IPC-Consumer-Zi-Themis_Eng_P_V2.408.0000.11.R.20170621 and later that address this vulnerability through enhanced input validation mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, particularly through firewall rules that restrict access to the Sonia web interface ports. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should also include disabling unnecessary services and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious POST requests targeting the affected web interface. Organizations should also consider deploying network access control solutions that can automatically isolate devices showing signs of compromise, as outlined in ATT&CK technique T1072 for application deployment and execution.