CVE-2018-7238 in Pelco Sarix Professional
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow vulnerability exist in the web-based GUI of Schneider Electric's Pelco Sarix Professional in all firmware versions prior to 3.29.67 which could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7238 affects Schneider Electric's Pelco Sarix Professional video surveillance devices, specifically targeting the web-based graphical user interface component. This critical security flaw exists in all firmware versions prior to 3.29.67 and represents a significant risk to networked security infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the device's web interface implementation, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can exceed the bounds of allocated memory buffers. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The implications are severe as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for security infrastructure devices that are often deployed in accessible network environments.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow presents a sophisticated attack vector that enables remote code execution capabilities for unauthenticated threat actors. When an attacker sends malicious input to the affected web interface, the system fails to properly validate the input length or content, allowing the attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, specifically mapping to T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1203 - Exploitation of Remote Services. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, potentially compromising entire surveillance systems without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive video surveillance data. Organizations utilizing Pelco Sarix Professional devices face potential exposure to surveillance system takeover, where attackers can gain persistent access to live video feeds, recorded footage, and administrative controls. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that video surveillance systems often contain sensitive operational data, including personnel movements, security incidents, and confidential business activities. Network segmentation may not provide adequate protection since the vulnerability allows remote exploitation, potentially enabling attackers to establish backdoors, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of security monitoring systems, potentially leaving organizations vulnerable to undetected intrusions and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7238 require immediate firmware updates to version 3.29.67 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network administrators should implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls to limit exposure while awaiting patch deployment. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing compromised surveillance systems, as the nature of video surveillance data requires careful handling to prevent further data loss or unauthorized access. Regular security audits and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked security devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions.