CVE-2017-6341 in DHI-HCVR7216A-S3
Summary
by MITRE
Dahua DHI-HCVR7216A-S3 devices with NVR Firmware 3.210.0001.10 2016-06-06, Camera Firmware 2.400.0000.28.R 2016-03-29, and SmartPSS Software 1.16.1 2017-01-19 send cleartext passwords in response to requests from the Web Page, Mobile Application, and Desktop Application interfaces, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-6117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6341 affects Dahua DHI-HCVR7216A-S3 network video recorder devices running specific firmware versions and SmartPSS software. This critical security flaw manifests in the device's communication protocols where authentication credentials are transmitted in cleartext format rather than being encrypted during network transmission. The affected system components include the NVR firmware version 3.210.0001.10 dated 2016-06-06, camera firmware 2.400.0000.28.R from 2016-03-29, and SmartPSS software version 1.16.1 released on 2017-01-19. This vulnerability specifically impacts the web page, mobile application, and desktop application interfaces, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to implement proper encryption mechanisms for authentication data transmission. When users interact with the device through any of the supported interfaces, the system sends username and password credentials in plain text format across the network. This cleartext transmission occurs regardless of network security measures or encryption protocols that might be in place, making the authentication information easily accessible to any network observer. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture, where sensitive information is exposed during normal operational procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to conduct passive network sniffing operations and capture authentication credentials without requiring any specialized tools or advanced techniques. An attacker positioned within the network traffic scope can easily intercept these cleartext passwords using standard network monitoring tools such as tcpdump, Wireshark, or similar packet analysis utilities. Once obtained, these credentials can be used to gain unauthorized access to the NVR system, potentially allowing full control over video surveillance capabilities, configuration changes, and access to recorded footage. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates persistent security risks for organizations relying on these devices for security operations.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as this vulnerability aligns with multiple ATT&CK framework techniques including credential access through network sniffing and privilege escalation through unauthorized system access. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and CWE-522, which deals with insufficiently protected credentials. Organizations using these devices face heightened risk of security breaches, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly segmented or protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for industrial control systems and security infrastructure where unauthorized access could compromise physical security operations and lead to data breaches or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network segmentation and the implementation of encryption protocols to protect against passive network monitoring. Organizations should deploy network access controls, implement virtual private networks for remote access, and ensure all communication channels are properly encrypted using TLS or SSL protocols. Device firmware should be updated to versions that implement proper authentication encryption mechanisms, and administrators should disable unnecessary network services. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify potential credential interception attempts, while security awareness training should be provided to personnel managing these systems. Additionally, organizations should implement multi-factor authentication where possible and establish strict access control policies to limit the impact of credential compromise.