CVE-2017-9829 in IB8369
Summary
by MITRE
'/cgi-bin/admin/downloadMedias.cgi' of the web service in most of the VIVOTEK Network Cameras is vulnerable, which allows remote attackers to read any file on the camera's Linux filesystem via a crafted HTTP request containing ".." sequences. This vulnerability is already verified on VIVOTEK Network Camera IB8369/FD8164/FD816BA; most others have similar firmware that may be affected.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9829 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in VIVOTEK network cameras that exposes a fundamental security weakness in the web service implementation. This vulnerability specifically targets the /cgi-bin/admin/downloadMedias.cgi endpoint which fails to properly validate user input, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate file access requests through crafted HTTP parameters containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the camera's Linux filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, and user data that should remain protected within the device's restricted file system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the web service component responsible for handling media file downloads. When attackers submit HTTP requests containing ".." sequences in the file path parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before processing them. This allows the traversal sequences to be interpreted by the underlying Linux filesystem, enabling access to files outside the intended media directory scope. The vulnerability manifests as a classic path traversal attack pattern that has been documented in numerous security frameworks and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps directly to the weakness of improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected surveillance equipment that often operates in unsecured environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components that could facilitate further exploitation. Network cameras running affected firmware may expose configuration files containing administrative credentials, system logs, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or persistent access. The vulnerability affects multiple VIVOTEK camera models including IB8369, FD8164, and FD816BA, with similar firmware implementations across the product line suggesting a widespread exposure. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on these devices for security monitoring, as attackers could potentially gain access to video feeds, camera settings, and system configurations that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network, making it particularly concerning for devices deployed in locations where physical security is not maintained.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from VIVOTEK, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application), indicating the attack patterns that would be observed during exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter out directory traversal attempts and establish network access controls that limit communication with the affected CGI endpoints. Regular security assessments of networked devices should include verification of firmware versions and testing for similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other network services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper access controls in embedded systems, particularly those designed for security applications where the compromise of a single device could provide access to an entire surveillance network.