CVE-2018-17879 in TVIP Camera
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2023
An issue was discovered on certain ABUS TVIP cameras. The CGI scripts allow remote attackers to execute code via system() as root. There are several injection points in various scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17879 affects ABUS TVIP cameras and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that stems from improper input validation within the camera's web interface. This issue resides in the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts that handle user requests, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability specifically allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges through the system() function, which is a fundamental security flaw that undermines the entire device's integrity and confidentiality. The affected cameras operate with elevated privileges, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it enables complete system compromise without requiring authentication or physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple injection points across various CGI scripts that process user-supplied data without proper sanitization or validation. When attackers send malicious input through web requests to the camera's interface, the system processes these inputs through the system() function which executes them as shell commands. This design flaw creates a direct path for command injection attacks where an attacker can execute any command that the root user has permission to run. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-established weakness pattern that has been documented in numerous security assessments and penetration testing reports. The attack surface is broad as multiple CGI scripts contain similar flaws, each potentially serving as an entry point for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to fully compromise the camera systems and potentially use them as stepping stones for broader network infiltration. Since these cameras are often deployed in security-critical environments such as surveillance systems for commercial buildings, residential properties, and industrial facilities, their compromise could lead to complete loss of security monitoring capabilities. Attackers could potentially access stored video footage, modify camera settings, disable security features, or even use the compromised cameras as pivoting points for attacking other network devices. The vulnerability affects the camera's core functionality and creates a persistent backdoor that can be maintained long after initial exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these devices for security operations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts to maintain persistence and access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical systems, disabling unnecessary network services, and applying firmware updates from ABUS when available. The most effective long-term solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization across all CGI scripts, replacing the vulnerable system() calls with safer alternatives, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped before processing. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to the camera web interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other networked devices and implement network access controls to prevent lateral movement. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper privilege separation in embedded systems, particularly those that handle user inputs through web interfaces. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in surveillance equipment.