CVE-2018-3938 in IPELA E Network Camera G5
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the 802dot1xclientcert.cgi functionality of Sony IPELA E Series Camera G5 firmware 1.87.00. A specially crafted POST can cause a stack-based buffer overflow, resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can send a malicious POST request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3938 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Sony IPELA E Series Camera G5 firmware version 1.87.00. This issue resides in the 802dot1xclientcert.cgi component, which handles authentication processes for networked cameras. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain user-supplied data before processing it within the application's memory stack. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function parameters. The specific implementation error occurs when the firmware processes POST requests containing 802.1x client certificate information, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise of affected Sony cameras. Attackers exploiting this flaw can execute arbitrary code on the device, potentially gaining persistent access to the networked camera infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute shell commands on the affected devices. The remote nature of the attack vector eliminates the need for physical access to the camera hardware, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these devices are deployed for security monitoring. The vulnerability affects multiple models within the Sony IPELA E Series, creating a widespread risk across various networked camera installations that have not been updated to patched firmware versions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires crafting a malicious POST request that exceeds the allocated buffer space in the 802dot1xclientcert.cgi handler. This overflow can be leveraged to overwrite the stack frame's return address, redirecting execution flow to attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates within the camera's web interface, making it accessible through standard HTTP protocols without requiring specialized tools or deep system knowledge. Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for lateral movement within secured environments, particularly where these cameras are integrated into broader security infrastructures. Organizations utilizing these devices must implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for anomalous POST requests to the affected CGI endpoint. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the necessity of input validation controls to prevent memory corruption issues that could lead to complete system compromise.