CVE-2018-18004 in Network Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect Access Control in mod_inetd.cgi in VIVOTEK Network Camera Series products with firmware before XXXXXX-VVTK-0X09a allows remote attackers to enable arbitrary system services via a URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18004 affects VIVOTEK network camera series devices running firmware versions prior to XXXXXX-VVTK-0X09a. This issue resides within the mod_inetd.cgi component which manages system services through web interface controls. The flaw represents a critical access control weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate system service configurations without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers can manipulate URL parameters to enable arbitrary system services on the affected devices, creating potential entry points for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the web-based management interface. The mod_inetd.cgi script fails to properly verify user credentials or implement proper authorization checks before processing requests to enable system services. This allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft malicious URLs with specific parameters that bypass normal access controls and directly invoke service enabling functions. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no specialized tools or local access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-18004 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential system compromise and network infiltration. When attackers can enable arbitrary system services, they gain the ability to activate network services that may not be properly secured or monitored. This capability can lead to the deployment of backdoors, the establishment of command and control channels, or the creation of persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072 Application Deployment Software, where adversaries can install and configure malicious services to maintain persistence. Additionally, the ability to enable system services creates opportunities for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network, as compromised cameras can serve as launch points for attacks against other networked devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18004 require immediate firmware updates from VIVOTEK to address the access control flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected camera devices from critical network segments and apply network access controls to limit communication between cameras and other systems. Regular security audits should verify that only necessary services are enabled on network devices, and unnecessary system services should be disabled to minimize attack surface. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual service activation patterns or unexpected network connections from camera devices. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts by monitoring for specific URL patterns or parameter combinations that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their networked camera systems to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses that may exist in other networked devices.