CVE-2018-14771 in FD8177
Summary
by MITRE
VIVOTEK FD8177 devices before XXXXXX-VVTK-xx06a allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code (issue 2 of 2) via eventscript.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14771 affects VIVOTEK FD8177 security cameras and similar devices running firmware versions prior to XXXXXX-VVTK-xx06a. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected devices through a specific web interface component. The vulnerability resides within the eventscript.cgi script which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged from remote network locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the eventscript.cgi component, which likely accepts parameters that are directly incorporated into system commands or executed within a shell context. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, representing command injection vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled data flows into command execution contexts without proper sanitization. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution issue, meaning that an attacker does not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where these devices are deployed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant security risks including complete device compromise, unauthorized data access, potential network pivoting opportunities, and possible use as a foothold for broader attacks within corporate networks. The affected VIVOTEK FD8177 devices are commonly deployed for surveillance purposes in enterprise environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to sensitive facilities. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can potentially compromise these devices from anywhere on the internet, creating a widespread threat surface that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the organization.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates to the patched version XXXXXX-VVTK-xx06a, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and firewall rules to restrict access to the eventscript.cgi endpoint. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. Additional security controls should include network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, regular security assessments of networked devices, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data that may be executed as system commands.