CVE-2018-4018 in A1 Dashcam
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable firmware update vulnerability exists in the NT9665X Chipset firmware, running on Anker Roav A1 Dashcam version RoavA1SWV1.9. The HTTP server allows for arbitrary firmware binaries to be uploaded which will be flashed upon next reboot. An attacker can send an HTTP PUT request or upgrade firmware request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-4018 represents a critical firmware update flaw in the NT9665X chipset firmware running on Anker Roav A1 Dashcam devices. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the device's HTTP server implementation, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary firmware binaries. The vulnerability specifically affects firmware version RoavA1SWV1.9 and demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and authentication controls in the firmware update process. The device's firmware update mechanism operates over HTTP, which inherently lacks encryption and integrity verification, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized modifications.
The technical flaw manifests through the device's acceptance of HTTP PUT requests and firmware upgrade commands without proper authentication or binary validation. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious firmware updates that will be automatically flashed during the next reboot cycle, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities and complete control over the device's operational functions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic case of insecure file handling in embedded systems. The absence of cryptographic signatures verification and secure boot mechanisms further compounds the risk, as there is no way to ensure the authenticity or integrity of uploaded firmware images.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it enables attackers to modify critical system components and potentially gain persistent access to vehicle data streams. Dashcams serve as important data collection devices in automotive environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to intercept or manipulate video feeds, GPS data, or other sensitive information. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target devices from anywhere on the network, without requiring physical access or specialized equipment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic," and represents a significant compromise of device integrity that could enable further attacks within vehicle networks or broader IoT ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms for firmware update operations, enforcing cryptographic signature verification of all firmware images, and utilizing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS instead of plain HTTP. Device manufacturers should implement secure boot processes that validate firmware integrity before execution, and network administrators should consider isolating such devices on separate network segments with restricted access. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of embedded security in IoT devices and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing during development phases, particularly for devices that handle sensitive data or operate in critical environments. Regular firmware updates and proper network segmentation can help reduce the risk of exploitation, though the fundamental design flaw requires architectural changes to fully address the security implications.