CVE-2018-19240 in TV-IP110WN
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in network.cgi on TRENDnet TV-IP110WN V1.2.2 build 68, V1.2.2.65, and V1.2.2 build 64 and TV-IP121WN V1.2.2 build 28 devices allows attackers to hijack the control flow to any attacker-specified location by crafting a POST request payload (without authentication).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19240 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the network.cgi component of TRENDnet IP camera devices including the TV-IP110WN and TV-IP121WN models. This vulnerability exists in specific firmware versions and exposes the devices to remote code execution risks without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw manifests when the device processes POST request payloads through the network.cgi interface, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the device's control flow and redirect execution to arbitrary memory locations. The affected devices operate under firmware versions V1.2.2 build 68, V1.2.2.65, V1.2.2 build 64, and TV-IP121WN V1.2.2 build 28, indicating a widespread issue across multiple TRENDnet camera product lines.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the network.cgi script that handles web-based configuration requests. When an attacker submits a crafted POST request containing an oversized payload, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer located in memory. This classic programming error allows the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, stack pointers, and potentially function pointers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation appears to involve stack-based buffer overflows given the nature of CGI script execution environments. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely by any attacker with network access to the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19240 extends beyond simple device compromise to potentially enable full network infiltration and persistent access. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected devices, which could lead to complete system takeover and subsequent use as a foothold for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from outside the local network without requiring physical access or valid credentials, making it particularly concerning for security-conscious organizations. Once compromised, these IP cameras could serve as pivot points for attacking other networked devices, potentially enabling surveillance of sensitive areas, data exfiltration, or as part of larger distributed denial-of-service attacks. The attack vector through network.cgi aligns with ATT&CK technique T1219 which covers legitimate remote access tools and protocols, though in this case the exploitation uses a vulnerability in legitimate device functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from TRENDnet, as the manufacturer would have released patches addressing the buffer overflow in subsequent firmware versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate IP camera devices from critical network segments, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious POST requests targeting the network.cgi interface, and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when possible. Network administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and establish monitoring procedures for anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded web interfaces, particularly in IoT devices where security updates may be infrequent or unavailable. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists can prevent unauthorized access to the device management interfaces, while regular security audits should verify that no devices remain running vulnerable firmware versions.