CVE-2017-9828 in IB8369
Summary
by MITRE
'/cgi-bin/admin/testserver.cgi' of the web service in most of the VIVOTEK Network Cameras is vulnerable to shell command injection, which allows remote attackers to execute any shell command as root via a crafted HTTP request. This vulnerability is already verified on VIVOTEK Network Camera IB8369/FD8164/FD816BA; most others have similar firmware that may be affected. An attack uses shell metacharacters in the senderemail parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9828 represents a critical command injection flaw in VIVOTEK network camera web services that directly compromises system integrity and operational security. This vulnerability exists within the administrative testing component of the camera firmware, specifically in the /cgi-bin/admin/testserver.cgi script which serves as a gateway for system validation functions. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise without requiring authentication or physical access to the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple VIVOTEK camera models including IB8369, FD8164, and FD816BA, with similar firmware architectures suggesting widespread exposure across the product line.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web service handling of HTTP requests. Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the senderemail parameter through the use of shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that allow command chaining and execution. When the web service processes the malicious input without proper sanitization or escaping, it directly passes the user-supplied data to the underlying shell command execution layer. This design flaw falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses Command Injection vulnerabilities in software applications that execute operating system commands based on user input. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates a classic path to privilege escalation, as the web service runs with root privileges during command execution, providing attackers with complete control over the camera's operating system and all its functionalities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9828 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for network security and privacy. Once exploited, attackers can gain full administrative control over the affected cameras, enabling them to modify camera settings, access live video feeds, capture stored footage, and potentially use the compromised devices as entry points for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed camera deployments. The compromise of network cameras through this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers can use the compromised cameras to map network topology and identify additional vulnerable targets. Additionally, the ability to execute commands as root provides attackers with persistent access that can be used to establish backdoors or deploy additional malicious software on the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from network administrators and security teams to address the exposed devices. The most effective immediate solution involves applying firmware updates from VIVOTEK that properly sanitize input parameters and implement proper command execution restrictions within the web service. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate camera networks from critical business systems and deploy intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious HTTP request patterns containing shell metacharacters. Access controls should be enforced through firewall rules that restrict access to camera management interfaces to authorized personnel only, while also implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability's characteristics also necessitate regular security assessments of network camera deployments and adherence to security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-44 for secure network camera implementation and management. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists that specifically block external access to the cgi-bin administrative interfaces and establish incident response procedures to quickly address potential exploitation attempts.