CVE-2018-4024 in A1 Dashcam
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable denial-of-service vulnerability exists in the thumbnail display functionality of the NT9665X Chipset firmware, running on the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam, version RoavA1SWV1.9. A specially crafted packet can cause a null pointer dereference, resulting in a device reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4024 represents a critical denial-of-service weakness within the NT9665X Chipset firmware that powers the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam device. This flaw specifically manifests within the thumbnail display functionality, which serves as a user interface component responsible for rendering preview images of recorded video segments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the firmware's image processing pipeline, creating a scenario where malformed or crafted data can trigger unexpected system behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a null pointer dereference condition that arises when the firmware attempts to process specially crafted packets designed to exploit the thumbnail generation mechanism. When such malicious input is received, the system's memory management routines fail to properly validate pointer references before attempting to access memory locations, resulting in a segmentation fault that forces the device to reboot automatically. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient error handling in embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged to create persistent availability issues for users who depend on their dashcam devices for continuous monitoring and evidence collection. The automatic reboot behavior effectively renders the device temporarily unusable, potentially during critical driving situations where video recording and storage are essential. This denial-of-service condition can be triggered remotely or through local network access, making it particularly concerning for automotive security environments where device reliability is paramount.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with embedded device firmware that lacks proper input sanitization and robust error handling mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly relevant in automotive IoT environments where devices operate continuously and may be exposed to various network threats. Mitigation strategies should focus on firmware updates that implement proper pointer validation, input sanitization, and graceful error handling. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls can help limit potential exploitation vectors while the device manufacturer implements permanent firmware fixes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of applying ATT&CK framework concepts for defensive measures, particularly in identifying and blocking malicious network traffic patterns that could be used to exploit such embedded system weaknesses.