CVE-2018-19081 in Opticam i5
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 ONVIF devicemgmt SetDNS method allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via the IPv4Address field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19081 affects Foscam Opticam i5 security cameras running specific firmware versions, presenting a critical remote command execution flaw within the ONVIF device management interface. This issue stems from inadequate input validation in the SetDNS method implementation, which processes network configuration parameters for the device's DNS settings. The vulnerability specifically targets the IPv4Address field parameter, where attackers can inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the device's operating system. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the device's security architecture, as legitimate network management functionality becomes a vector for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the ONVIF protocol's devicemgmt service, which is a standardized interface for device configuration and management in IP-based security systems. When the SetDNS method receives a specially crafted IPv4Address parameter containing command injection payloads, the device fails to properly sanitize the input before processing it within the operating system shell. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, potentially granting attackers complete control over the device's functionality and access to its internal network resources.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure, as Foscam devices are commonly deployed in security monitoring applications where they serve as critical network endpoints. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute commands such as spawning reverse shells, modifying device configuration files, accessing stored video footage, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for further network exploration. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt security monitoring operations, access sensitive data, or use the device as part of a larger botnet. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, demonstrating how attackers can exploit legitimate device management protocols to achieve their objectives.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Foscam to address the input validation issues in the ONVIF implementation. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, while firewall rules should restrict access to the ONVIF management ports to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary ONVIF services when not actively required for device management, and implement regular security assessments of their IP-based security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization in network services and demonstrates how standard protocols can become attack vectors when not properly secured against injection attacks.