CVE-2018-3856 in SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable vulnerability exists in the smart cameras RTSP configuration of the Samsung SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250 - Firmware version 0.20.17. The device incorrectly handles spaces in the URL field, leading to an arbitrary operating system command injection. An attacker can send a series of HTTP requests to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3856 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Samsung SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250 device firmware version 0.20.17. This issue specifically affects the handling of RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) configuration parameters within the smart camera integration functionality. The device's improper validation of URL field inputs creates a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary operating system commands through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or validate spaces and special characters within the RTSP URL configuration fields.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted URLs with embedded spaces and command delimiters. The device's firmware processes these malformed inputs without adequate sanitization, allowing command injection payloads to be executed within the underlying operating system context. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the device's legitimate HTTP interface to communicate with the smart camera components, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no physical access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as a weakness in OS command injection, where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before executing operating system commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the device's underlying operating system. An attacker could potentially gain complete control over the SmartThings Hub, enabling them to modify device configurations, access stored credentials, monitor network traffic, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the device's security posture significantly, as it undermines the trust model of the smart home ecosystem by allowing unauthorized access to a central hub that controls multiple connected devices. Network-based attacks can be executed entirely through the HTTP interface, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to remote attackers who may not require physical proximity to the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3856 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Samsung to address the command injection vulnerability in the RTSP configuration handling. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate smart home devices from critical network segments, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual HTTP request patterns targeting the SmartThings Hub's configuration interfaces. Additionally, implementing strict input validation at the network perimeter and disabling unnecessary services can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071.004 for application layer protocols, demonstrating how this flaw enables attackers to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands through legitimate device interfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify patterns associated with command injection attempts targeting IoT device management interfaces.