CVE-2018-6299 in Smartcam
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication bypass in Hanwha Techwin Smartcams
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2020
The CVE-2018-6299 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting Hanwha Techwin Smartcams, which are widely deployed in security monitoring environments across various industries. This vulnerability stems from improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the camera firmware, specifically in the web interface authentication subsystem. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass the authentication process and gain unauthorized administrative access to the affected devices without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability impacts multiple models of Hanwha Techwin Smartcams, including but not limited to the DS-2DE4A4IW-DE, DS-2DE4A4IW-DE, and DS-2DE4A4IW-DE models. The authentication bypass occurs due to insufficient validation of authentication tokens and session management, enabling attackers to manipulate the authentication flow and escalate privileges to administrative levels. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects devices commonly used in critical infrastructure protection, corporate security systems, and public surveillance networks where unauthorized access could lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-6299 relies on the device's failure to properly validate authentication requests, creating a path for attackers to bypass the standard login mechanism. The flaw manifests when the web interface fails to properly verify session tokens or authentication credentials, allowing attackers to access administrative functions directly through crafted requests. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the camera's web interface, potentially using tools like Burp Suite or custom scripts to manipulate authentication parameters. The vulnerability exists in the device's authentication flow where it does not properly validate the authenticity of incoming requests before granting access to administrative functions. This weakness is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1190 which covers Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to networked security devices.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6299 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to fully compromise the affected cameras and potentially use them as stepping stones for broader network infiltration. Once authenticated, attackers can modify camera settings, access live video feeds, download recorded footage, and even reconfigure network parameters to redirect traffic or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on these cameras for security monitoring, potentially exposing sensitive data and compromising the integrity of their security infrastructure. The lack of proper authentication validation creates a persistent risk where attackers can maintain access without detection, as there are no legitimate authentication mechanisms to verify their identity. Organizations using these devices may experience significant operational disruption, including unauthorized surveillance of premises, data breaches, and potential legal consequences related to privacy violations. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of networks containing these devices, as compromised cameras can serve as entry points for lateral movement and further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6299 should include immediate firmware updates from Hanwha Techwin, which address the authentication bypass vulnerability through proper session management and authentication token validation. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should enforce strong network access controls and monitor for unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authentication vulnerabilities in other networked devices. The implementation of network intrusion detection systems can help identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for known attack patterns and anomalous authentication requests. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces and services on affected devices, while ensuring that all administrative access occurs through secure channels with strong authentication mechanisms. Regular patch management processes should be established to ensure timely deployment of security updates and to maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in the broader ecosystem of networked security devices.