CVE-2018-19068 in Foscam
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Foscam Opticam i5 devices with System Firmware 1.5.2.11 and Application Firmware 2.21.1.128. The CGIProxy.fcgi?cmd=setTelnetSwitch feature is authorized for hidden factory credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19068 affects Foscam Opticam i5 security cameras running specific firmware versions, presenting a critical authorization flaw that undermines device security. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication mechanisms within the CGIProxy.fcgi web interface component, specifically the setTelnetSwitch command functionality. The device employs hidden factory credentials that are not properly secured or removed from production units, creating an unauthorized access vector that allows attackers to enable telnet services without proper authorization.
The technical flaw manifests through a design oversight where factory default credentials remain hardcoded and accessible within the device firmware, enabling remote exploitation of the setTelnetSwitch command. This command, when invoked with the appropriate factory credentials, permits the activation of telnet services on the device, effectively providing an unauthenticated administrative access point. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure credential storage and management, aligning with CWE-798 which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials and CWE-259 which covers weak password requirements. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures and provides persistent administrative access to the device.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to organizations deploying Foscam Opticam i5 devices in networked environments. The ability to enable telnet services remotely without proper authorization allows attackers to gain command-line access to the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Once telnet access is established, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, modify device configurations, access stored credentials, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects devices running firmware versions 1.5.2.11 for system firmware and 2.21.1.128 for application firmware, indicating a widespread issue across multiple production units. This represents a serious concern for industrial control systems and surveillance networks where these devices are commonly deployed, as they may be used in critical infrastructure protection scenarios.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader security implications within enterprise networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1021.004 (SSH and Telnet) and T1078 (Valid Accounts), as it enables the use of legitimate administrative accounts through unauthorized means. Organizations using these devices may experience unauthorized access to their surveillance systems, potentially compromising the integrity of security monitoring operations and creating opportunities for data exfiltration or system disruption. The persistent nature of the factory credentials means that once exploited, the vulnerability remains present until firmware updates are deployed and the credentials are properly secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Foscam to address the hardcoded credential issue and remove the unauthorized access mechanism. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and monitor for unauthorized telnet connections. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure proper firmware versions are deployed. The remediation process must include disabling telnet services where possible and implementing alternative secure management protocols such as SSH. Regular security assessments should verify that factory credentials are properly secured and that unauthorized access mechanisms are eliminated from all networked devices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.