CVE-2018-4026 in A1 Dashcam
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable denial-of-service vulnerability exists in the XML_GetScreen Wi-Fi command of the NT9665X Chipset firmware, running on the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam, version RoavA1SWV1.9. A specially crafted set of packets 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-2018-4026 represents a critical denial-of-service weakness within the NT9665X chipset firmware that powers the Anker Roav A1 Dashcam device. This flaw manifests specifically within the XML_GetScreen Wi-Fi command processing functionality, where the firmware fails to properly validate incoming packet data before attempting memory operations. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted network packets to trigger unexpected behavior in the device's communication stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed sequence of network packets that manipulate the XML_GetScreen command execution path. When the firmware processes these malformed packets, it attempts to dereference memory locations that either do not exist or contain invalid data pointers. This invalid memory access pattern constitutes a classic buffer over-read or null pointer dereference condition that fundamentally violates memory safety principles. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely without requiring physical access to the device, aligning with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1210 technique for exploitation of remote services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the device's availability and reliability in critical applications. Since the dashcam serves as a safety and security device for vehicle monitoring, an unexpected reboot could result in loss of continuous recording capabilities during important events. The device reboot caused by this vulnerability may occur repeatedly if the malicious packets are continuously transmitted, effectively rendering the device unusable for its intended purpose. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and the behavior aligns with CWE-476 which covers null pointer dereference scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on firmware updates provided by the manufacturer, as the issue exists within the device's core operating system code. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help reduce exposure by blocking unauthorized access to the device's Wi-Fi communication ports. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious packet patterns may provide early warning of attempted exploitation. Organizations deploying similar devices should consider the broader implications of unpatched firmware vulnerabilities and implement regular security assessments to identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation mechanisms that prevent malformed data from causing system instability.