CVE-2017-6343 in DHI-HCVR7216A-S3
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface on 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 allows remote attackers to obtain login access by leveraging knowledge of the MD5 Admin Hash without knowledge of the corresponding password, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-6117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2022
The Dahua DHI-HCVR7216A-S3 network video recorder represents a critical security vulnerability in the form of CVE-2017-6343, which exposes the device to unauthorized remote access through a flaw in its authentication mechanism. This vulnerability specifically affects the web interface of the NVR device and stems from an improper handling of administrative credentials where the system allows login using only the MD5 hash of the administrator password without requiring the actual password. The affected firmware versions include NVR Firmware 3.210.0001.10 dated 2016-06-06, Camera Firmware 2.400.0000.28.R dated 2016-03-29, and SmartPSS Software 1.16.1 from 2017-01-19, creating a window of exposure for users of these specific device configurations. This issue falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and directly relates to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication flaws in security systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers possess the MD5 hash of an administrator account but do not know the corresponding plaintext password. This scenario represents a significant security weakness because it bypasses the expected authentication flow where password verification should be required before granting access. The flaw allows attackers to authenticate directly using the hash value, effectively eliminating the need for password guessing or brute force attempts. This mechanism creates a backdoor access path that can be exploited by threat actors who have obtained the hash through various means such as database breaches, network sniffing, or other reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2013-6117, indicating that it represents a distinct authentication bypass flaw rather than a related issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6343 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full administrative privileges on the NVR device, enabling them to modify recording settings, access live and archived video feeds, add or remove users, and potentially manipulate the system configuration. This access level provides attackers with the capability to monitor surveillance operations, disable security features, or even use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on these devices for security monitoring, as the compromise could lead to complete loss of surveillance coverage and potential exposure of sensitive operational data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations focusing on strengthening authentication controls and monitoring access patterns. The primary remediation involves updating the firmware to versions that address this specific authentication flaw, which requires coordination with Dahua to obtain patched software releases. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while continuous monitoring of authentication logs can help detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing multi-factor authentication where possible, though this particular vulnerability's nature suggests that standard authentication mechanisms are insufficient. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under credential access techniques, specifically targeting the use of stolen credentials and weak authentication methods that allow adversaries to maintain persistent access to network resources. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other networked security devices within the organization's infrastructure.