CVE-2017-8223 in Wireless IP Camera WIFICAM
Summary
by MITRE
On Wireless IP Camera (P2P) WIFICAM devices, an attacker can use the RTSP server on port 10554/tcp to watch the streaming without authentication via tcp/av0_1 or tcp/av0_0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8223 affects Wireless IP Camera devices manufactured by WIFICAM, specifically targeting their Real Time Streaming Protocol implementation. This security flaw exists within the RTSP server component that operates on port 10554/tcp, which is a standard port used for streaming multimedia content. The issue represents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to live video feeds from these surveillance devices without requiring any valid credentials. The vulnerability impacts a specific class of networked security cameras that utilize P2P (Peer-to-Peer) connectivity protocols for remote access and monitoring purposes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper authentication mechanisms within the RTSP server implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly connecting to the RTSP service on port 10554 and accessing video streams using simple connection parameters such as tcp/av0_1 or tcp/av0_0 without providing any authentication credentials. This represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture where the system fails to properly verify user identity before granting access to streaming resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which deals with improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on authentication bypass through improper implementation of authentication mechanisms. The attack vector involves network-based exploitation where an attacker with access to the network can establish connections to the vulnerable service and immediately gain access to live video feeds.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations and individuals who rely on these IP cameras for security monitoring and surveillance purposes. Unauthorized parties can gain real-time access to sensitive video feeds from locations where these cameras are deployed, potentially compromising physical security and privacy. The vulnerability affects not only commercial security installations but also residential surveillance systems that may be deployed in homes, offices, or other private properties. This exposure creates significant risks for data confidentiality and privacy protection, as attackers can observe activities in real-time without detection. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance activities that can lead to further exploitation. Organizations using these devices may face regulatory compliance issues if they fail to protect sensitive surveillance data, particularly in environments governed by privacy regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments, implementation of network access controls to restrict access to port 10554, and deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Device firmware updates from the manufacturer should be applied as soon as available, though the vulnerability may require a complete re-architecture of the authentication system within the RTSP service. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as VPN access for legitimate users, disabling unnecessary services, and conducting regular security assessments of networked devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication implementation in network services and demonstrates how seemingly minor security oversights can result in significant privacy and security breaches. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting systems to detect unauthorized access attempts to surveillance systems, as this type of vulnerability can remain undetected for extended periods if not properly monitored.