CVE-2017-8225 in Wireless IP Camera WIFICAM
Summary
by MITRE
On Wireless IP Camera (P2P) WIFICAM devices, access to .ini files (containing credentials) is not correctly checked. An attacker can bypass authentication by providing an empty loginuse parameter and an empty loginpas parameter in the URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8225 affects Wireless IP Camera devices known as WIFICAM that implement P2P networking capabilities. These devices are commonly used for home and small business security applications, where they provide remote access to video feeds through wireless networks. The flaw resides in the authentication mechanism of the web interface that manages these cameras, creating a significant security weakness that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information and device control. This vulnerability specifically impacts the configuration file access controls, where the system fails to properly validate user credentials before granting access to critical system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web application layer of the WIFICAM devices. When an attacker constructs a specific URI request with empty parameters for both loginuse and loginpas, the authentication system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of the authentication attempt. This allows the system to proceed with access to .ini configuration files that contain sensitive credentials and system configuration data. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient authentication checks where the application does not properly validate the presence or validity of authentication parameters before granting access to protected resources. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-287 which deals with improper authentication mechanisms, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through brute force or default credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to camera configurations, including administrative credentials, network settings, and potentially video feed access. Once an attacker successfully bypasses authentication, they can modify camera settings, view live feeds, download recorded footage, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The exposure of .ini files containing credentials creates a persistent security risk since these files often contain hard-coded passwords and network configuration details that could be used to compromise additional devices or systems. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where wireless cameras are deployed without proper network segmentation or additional security controls, making it a critical concern for both residential and commercial security implementations.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-8225 requires immediate implementation of firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the authentication bypass vulnerability. Network administrators should ensure that all affected devices are updated to versions that properly validate authentication parameters before granting access to configuration files. Additionally, implementing network segmentation to isolate security cameras from critical business systems provides an additional layer of protection. Access controls should be enforced through proper authentication mechanisms that validate all input parameters and reject requests with empty or malformed authentication credentials. Regular security audits of networked devices, including wireless cameras, should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authentication flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous authentication attempts and unauthorized access patterns to provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.