CVE-2018-6831 in C1 Lite
Summary
by MITRE
The setSystemTime function in Foscam Cameras C1 Lite V3, and C1 V3 with firmware 2.82.2.33 and earlier, FI9800P V3, FI9803P V4, FI9851P V3, and FI9853EP V2 2.84.2.33 and earlier, FI9816P V3, FI9821EP V2, FI9821P V3, FI9826P V3, and FI9831P V3 2.81.2.33 and earlier, C1, C1 V2, C1 Lite, and C1 Lite V2 2.52.2.47 and earlier, FI9800P, FI9800P V2, FI9803P V2, FI9803P V3, and FI9851P V2 2.54.2.47 and earlier, FI9815P, FI9815P V2, FI9816P, and FI9816P V2, 2.51.2.47 and earlier, R2 and R4 2.71.1.59 and earlier, C2 and FI9961EP 2.72.1.59 and earlier, FI9900EP, FI9900P, and FI9901EP 2.74.1.59 and earlier, FI9928P 2.74.1.58 and earlier, FI9803EP and FI9853EP 2.22.2.31 and earlier, FI9803P and FI9851P 2.24.2.31 and earlier, FI9821P V2, FI9826P V2, FI9831P V2, and FI9821EP 2.21.2.31 and earlier, FI9821W V2, FI9831W, FI9826W, FI9821P, FI9831P, and FI9826P 2.11.1.120 and earlier, FI9818W V2 2.13.2.120 and earlier, FI9805W, FI9804W, FI9804P, FI9805E, and FI9805P 2.14.1.120 and earlier, FI9828P, and FI9828W 2.13.1.120 and earlier, and FI9828P V2 2.11.1.133 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via a ';' in the ntpServer argument. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2017-2849.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-6831 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting numerous Foscam IP camera models across multiple firmware versions. This issue specifically targets the setSystemTime function within the camera's web interface, which processes user-supplied input without proper sanitization. The vulnerability stems from an incomplete remediation of a previously identified flaw, CVE-2017-2849, creating a persistent security weakness that allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. The flaw manifests when the ntpServer parameter receives input containing semicolon characters, which are typically used as command separators in shell environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ntpServer argument in the setSystemTime function, where the semicolon character enables command chaining attacks. When authenticated users submit malicious input containing semicolons, the system processes these inputs through shell commands without adequate input validation or sanitization. This creates a path for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web server process, effectively allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that anyone with valid login credentials can exploit this flaw.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network infrastructure and surveillance systems deployed using Foscam cameras. The ability to execute arbitrary commands remotely enables attackers to gain complete control over affected devices, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, install malware, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised cameras as entry points for broader network attacks. The widespread deployment of these camera models across various industries including retail, manufacturing, and residential security makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from a threat intelligence standpoint. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically representing command injection weaknesses that allow execution of arbitrary code.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to include potential lateral movement within networks where these cameras are deployed. Security researchers have mapped this issue to ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations using affected Foscam models should consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation, as well as monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate command injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of incomplete security fixes, as the issue represents a regression rather than a new vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize firmware updates from Foscam to address this flaw, while also implementing network access controls to restrict unnecessary access to camera management interfaces. The presence of this vulnerability in so many different camera models underscores the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that account for the full attack surface of networked devices.