CVE-2018-3880 in SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the database 'find-by-cameraId' functionality of video-core's HTTP server of Samsung SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250 - Firmware version 0.20.17. The video-core process incorrectly handles existing records inside its SQLite database, leading to a buffer overflow on the stack. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3880 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Samsung SmartThings Hub STH-ETH-250 device firmware version 02017. This flaw resides in the video-core HTTP server component that processes database queries related to camera identification functionality. The issue manifests specifically when the system attempts to handle existing records within its SQLite database structure, creating a condition where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to overflow stack memory buffers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the device's core networking functionality, making it accessible through standard HTTP communications. Security researchers identified that the video-core process fails to properly validate the length of database records during the find-by-cameraId operation, creating a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing oversized data that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space. This buffer overflow occurs during the processing of camera identification records stored in the SQLite database, where the system does not properly enforce bounds checking on the data retrieved from database queries. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services, as it allows remote code execution through HTTP-based attacks targeting the device's web server interface. The specific nature of the vulnerability suggests that the database record size is not properly validated before being copied into fixed-size stack buffers, creating a predictable overflow condition that could be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying system through remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain control over the SmartThings Hub, potentially accessing all connected IoT devices, compromising the entire home automation network, and gaining access to sensitive data including camera feeds and device configurations. The attack vector requires only a simple HTTP request to the affected device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed by anyone with network access to the device. This vulnerability undermines the security model of the SmartThings ecosystem, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to home networks and bypass security measures designed to protect IoT infrastructure. The device's role as a central hub for smart home automation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could serve as a gateway for broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3880 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Samsung to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the SmartThings Hub to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious HTTP requests targeting the specific vulnerable endpoint. Device administrators should disable unnecessary HTTP services and ensure that the device operates within a secure network environment with proper firewall rules. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and bounds checking in embedded systems, particularly those handling database operations. Organizations should implement regular security assessments of IoT devices and maintain updated vulnerability databases to identify similar issues in other smart home infrastructure components. Additionally, the use of network monitoring tools can help detect exploitation attempts by analyzing traffic patterns that deviate from normal operational behavior, providing early warning capabilities for potential attacks against vulnerable IoT devices.