CVE-2018-11482 in IPC TL-IPC223(P)-6
Summary
by MITRE
/usr/lib/lua/luci/websys.lua on TP-LINK IPC TL-IPC223(P)-6, TL-IPC323K-D, TL-IPC325(KP)-*, and TL-IPC40A-4 devices has a hardcoded zMiVw8Kw0oxKXL0 password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
This vulnerability exists in the web system component of several TP-LINK IP camera models including the TL-IPC223(P)-6, TL-IPC323K-D, TL-IPC325(KP)-*, and TL-IPC40A-4 devices. The flaw resides in the /usr/lib/lua/luci/websys.lua file where a hardcoded password is embedded within the software code. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates fundamental security principles by incorporating static credentials that cannot be changed by users or administrators. The hardcoded password zMiVw8Kw0oxKXL0 serves as a backdoor access mechanism that remains persistent across device reboots and firmware updates, creating an inherent security risk that affects all affected devices regardless of their configuration or network isolation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor secure coding practices where developers embedded administrative credentials directly into the source code rather than implementing proper authentication mechanisms or dynamic credential generation. This approach creates a persistent attack vector that allows any attacker who can access the device's web interface to gain administrative privileges immediately upon discovering the hardcoded credentials. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 security controls. The flaw affects the device's authentication system at the application layer, potentially enabling unauthorized access to video streams, device configuration, and network settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential complete device compromise and network infiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to modify camera settings, disable security features, access live video feeds, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home networks where IP cameras are deployed for security monitoring, as it creates a persistent backdoor that remains active even after normal security measures are implemented. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that these devices are often deployed in unattended locations and may not receive regular firmware updates, leaving the hardcoded credential permanently exposed. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 - Valid Accounts: Default Accounts, as it provides access through default administrative credentials that are hardcoded into the device firmware.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from device administrators to implement network-level protections and device-specific remediation measures. The primary recommendation involves changing the default administrative password to a strong, unique credential immediately after device deployment, though this is only partially effective since the hardcoded password remains embedded in the firmware. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices from untrusted networks, while regular firmware updates should be applied when available from TP-LINK. Device administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary services and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper credential management as outlined in ISO/IEC 27034 security standards, emphasizing the need for dynamic credential generation and proper authentication architecture design. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other networked devices and implement automated scanning tools to detect such security flaws in their infrastructure.