CVE-2017-6432 in DHI-HCVR7216A-S3
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Dahua DHI-HCVR7216A-S3 3.210.0001.10 build 2016-06-06 devices. The Dahua DVR Protocol, which operates on TCP Port 37777, is an unencrypted, binary protocol. Performing a Man-in-the-Middle attack allows both sniffing and injections of packets, which allows creation of fully privileged new users, in addition to capture of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The vulnerability identified in Dahua DHI-HCVR7216A-S3 devices represents a critical security flaw in the Dahua DVR Protocol implementation that operates on TCP port 37777. This protocol serves as the communication interface for the digital video recorder system, handling all administrative and operational functions. The device firmware version 3.210.0001.10 build 2016-06-06 contains a fundamental weakness in its network security architecture that exposes the system to significant operational risks. The protocol's design lacks any form of encryption or authentication mechanisms, creating an environment where network traffic can be easily intercepted and manipulated by malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of the Dahua DVR Protocol demonstrates a clear violation of established security principles for network communications. The binary nature of the protocol combined with its lack of encryption creates multiple attack vectors that can be exploited through network-based attacks. Specifically, the protocol's unencrypted communication channel allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks that can both sniff network traffic and inject malicious packets into the communication stream. This vulnerability stems from the protocol's design that does not implement any form of cryptographic protection for data transmission, making it susceptible to passive and active network attacks. The absence of authentication mechanisms means that any attacker who can intercept network traffic can potentially gain administrative control over the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to create fully privileged user accounts within the system. This capability represents a complete compromise of the device's access control mechanisms and allows unauthorized individuals to gain administrative privileges without requiring legitimate credentials. The ability to inject packets into the communication stream means that attackers can manipulate the device's configuration and operational parameters in real-time, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability also enables the capture of sensitive information transmitted through the protocol, including but not limited to user credentials, system configuration data, and potentially video surveillance content. This creates a scenario where attackers can not only gain unauthorized access to the system but also monitor and manipulate the security-critical functions of the surveillance system.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, including credential theft, privilege escalation, and data interception. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in network communications, and CWE-287, which covers improper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of unauthorized access to their surveillance infrastructure, potentially compromising their security posture and violating privacy regulations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire surveillance system, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on Dahua security equipment for their protection infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate network segmentation to isolate the affected devices from critical network infrastructure, implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, and consideration of alternative network protocols that provide encryption and authentication capabilities. Organizations should also implement network access controls to restrict communication to the affected port to only trusted devices and networks. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to firmware versions that address the cryptographic weaknesses in the protocol implementation, though this may not be available for older device models. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems and regular security audits to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should also review their overall security policies and procedures to ensure that they have adequate controls in place for managing and securing networked security devices.