CVE-2018-4025 in A1 Dashcam
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable denial-of-service vulnerability exists in the XML_GetRawEncJpg Wi-Fi command of the NT9665X Chipset firmware, running on the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam, version RoavA1SWV1.9. A specially crafted packet can cause an invalid memory dereference, resulting in a device reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4025 represents a critical denial-of-service weakness within the NT9665X chipset firmware that powers the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam device. This flaw specifically manifests in the XML_GetRawEncJpg Wi-Fi command implementation, where the firmware fails to properly validate incoming data structures before processing them. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted packets to trigger unexpected behavior within the device's memory management subsystem. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in embedded systems and IoT devices where uninterrupted operation is essential for safety-critical applications like automotive dashcams. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, though the actual implementation involves invalid memory dereference patterns that lead to system instability rather than direct null pointer access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a malformed packet containing specially crafted XML data to the Wi-Fi interface of the dashcam device. The XML_GetRawEncJpg command processes this data without sufficient validation checks, leading to a scenario where the firmware attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or initialized. This invalid memory dereference causes the device's execution to terminate unexpectedly, resulting in an automatic device reboot. The reboot process effectively denies service to legitimate users who require continuous operation of the dashcam functionality, particularly during critical driving conditions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered remotely over the wireless interface, making it accessible to attackers within the device's communication range without requiring physical access or specialized equipment.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise driver safety and vehicle security. Dashcam devices are increasingly relied upon for evidence collection during traffic incidents, accident investigations, and insurance claims processing. When such devices experience unexpected reboots due to denial-of-service attacks, critical video footage may be lost or interrupted, undermining their primary purpose. The vulnerability also exposes potential attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation attempts, as the device's instability could provide opportunities for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. Network administrators and security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader IoT security assessments, particularly in environments where wireless communication is essential for device functionality. The impact is particularly severe in automotive applications where device reliability directly affects road safety and regulatory compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4025 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term firmware improvements. Device manufacturers should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all XML data before processing, ensuring that memory access operations occur only on valid and properly initialized memory regions. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the attack surface by restricting unauthorized wireless communication with the device. Regular firmware updates should be deployed to address known vulnerabilities, with particular attention to input validation and memory management routines. Security monitoring systems should be implemented to detect unusual reboot patterns or network traffic anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious packets targeting known vulnerabilities in IoT devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK techniques that emphasize privilege escalation and defense evasion through system instability manipulation. Device users should be educated about the risks of connecting to untrusted wireless networks and maintaining current firmware versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.