CVE-2018-25130 in Intercom
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
Beward Intercom 2.3.1 contains a credentials disclosure vulnerability that allows local attackers to access plain-text authentication credentials stored in an unencrypted database file. Attackers can read the BEWARD.INTERCOM.FDB file to extract usernames and passwords, enabling unauthorized access to IP cameras and door stations.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25130 affects Beward Intercom version 2.3.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the handling of authentication credentials within the system's database storage mechanism. This issue falls under the category of credential exposure vulnerabilities and demonstrates poor security practices in data protection. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt sensitive information, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized access to authentication data that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a security system component designed to protect physical access points and surveillance infrastructure, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the overall security posture of the protected facilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of plain-text credentials within an unencrypted database file named BEWARD.INTERCOM.FDB. This database file contains sensitive information including usernames and passwords that are stored without any form of encryption or obfuscation. The flaw represents a direct violation of security best practices and can be categorized under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials). Local attackers who gain access to the system can simply read this file to extract authentication credentials, bypassing any network-based security controls that might otherwise protect the system. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data at rest, leaving credentials vulnerable to extraction by any user with local file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to IP cameras and door stations that form the core components of the intercom system. This compromise can lead to full unauthorized access to surveillance footage, remote control of door stations, and potential physical security breaches. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire security infrastructure, as attackers can manipulate the system to gain persistent access or conduct surveillance operations without detection. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as attackers can leverage the stolen credentials to move laterally within the network or gain access to other systems that might share similar authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper encryption for all sensitive data stored at rest within the database file, ensuring that credentials are never stored in plain text format. Organizations should also implement proper access controls to limit local system access to only authorized personnel and establish regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities. The system should be updated to a patched version that properly encrypts database contents, and administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for system administrators can help prevent configuration errors that might lead to similar vulnerabilities in other components of the security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls for protecting sensitive information and maintaining the security of critical infrastructure components.