CVE-2018-12640 in HD IP Camera White 2864-222
Summary
by MITRE
The webService binary on Insteon HD IP Camera White 2864-222 devices has a Buffer Overflow via a crafted pid, pwd, or usr key in a GET request on port 34100.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12640 affects Insteon HD IP Camera White 2864-222 devices where the webService binary contains a buffer overflow flaw. This issue manifests when processing GET requests sent to port 34100 and specifically targets the pid, pwd, or usr parameters within the request. The buffer overflow vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The flaw exists in the authentication and session management mechanisms of the device's web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable unauthorized access to the camera's functionality.
From a technical perspective, the buffer overflow occurs when the webService binary fails to properly validate or limit the length of input data provided in the pid, pwd, or usr parameters. These parameters are typically used for authentication and user identification within the device's web interface. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing oversized data in any of these fields, the binary attempts to store the input in a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking. This condition creates an exploitable situation where the overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate program execution flow and gain control over the device. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete device compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overflow can gain root access to the camera's operating system, enabling them to modify firmware, access stored credentials, view live video feeds, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The device's exposure on port 34100 makes it particularly vulnerable to automated scanning and exploitation attempts, as this port is commonly targeted by security researchers and malicious actors. Network reconnaissance tools can easily identify affected devices, and the relatively simple exploitation method means that even less sophisticated attackers can potentially compromise these devices. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure authentication mechanisms, fundamentally undermining its security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12640 should focus on immediate device isolation and firmware updates. Organizations should immediately disconnect affected devices from the network to prevent exploitation while waiting for official firmware patches from the manufacturer. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to devices on port 34100, and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious GET requests targeting these parameters. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or malformed requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of networked devices should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and the device's authentication mechanisms should be reviewed to ensure proper input validation is in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1072 for application deployment, and represents a clear example of how insufficient bounds checking in network services can lead to complete system compromise.