CVE-2017-7923 in DS-2CDxxxxx
Summary
by MITRE
A Password in Configuration File issue was discovered in Hikvision DS-2CD2xx2F-I Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 build 160530, DS-2CD2xx0F-I Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160401, DS-2CD2xx2FWD Series V5.3.1 build 150410 to V5.4.4 Build 161125, DS-2CD4x2xFWD Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160414, DS-2CD4xx5 Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160421, DS-2DFx Series V5.2.0 build 140805 to V5.4.5 Build 160928, and DS-2CD63xx Series V5.0.9 build 140305 to V5.3.5 Build 160106 devices. The password in configuration file vulnerability could allow a malicious user to escalate privileges or assume the identity of another user and access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7923 represents a critical security flaw in Hikvision IP camera and video surveillance devices that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of system configurations. This issue affects multiple series within the Hikvision product line including DS-2CD2xx2F-I, DS-2CD2xx0F-I, DS-2CD2xx2FWD, DS-2CD4x2xFWD, DS-2CD4xx5, DS-2DFx, and DS-2CD63xx families. The flaw manifests when passwords are stored in plain text format within configuration files, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the fundamental security architecture of these surveillance systems. The affected firmware versions span from early builds in 2014 through late 2016, indicating a prolonged period during which these devices remained vulnerable to attack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper configuration file handling within the device firmware where authentication credentials are stored in an easily accessible format without adequate encryption or obfuscation mechanisms. This design flaw allows attackers with minimal privileges to gain access to configuration files containing administrative passwords, which can then be used to escalate privileges or impersonate legitimate users within the system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials), both of which are well-documented weaknesses in information security practices. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to assume administrative control over the affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to video feeds and other sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7923 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of surveillance networks that rely on these devices for protection. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access video streams, modify device configurations, disable security features, and potentially use compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration. The attack surface becomes particularly dangerous when considering that these devices are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where they serve as primary security monitoring tools. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) techniques, as it enables adversaries to establish persistent access through legitimate administrative credentials. The vulnerability also supports T1003 (OS Credential Dumping) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) tactics, as attackers can extract credentials and then execute commands on compromised systems.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions that address the cleartext storage issue, network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems, and regular monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their entire Hikvision device inventory to identify all potentially affected units and implement proper access controls. The remediation process must include not only updating firmware but also reviewing and strengthening overall network security policies, implementing network monitoring solutions, and establishing incident response procedures specifically for surveillance system compromises. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying alternative authentication mechanisms and ensuring that all administrative accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords that are regularly rotated. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure configuration management and proper credential handling practices in embedded systems, particularly those used in security-critical applications where the compromise of a single device can have cascading effects throughout an organization's security infrastructure.