CVE-2018-7698 in mydlink+
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in D-Link mydlink+ 3.8.5 build 259 for DCS-933L 1.05.04 and DCS-934L 1.05.04 devices. The mydlink+ app sends the username and password for connected D-Link cameras (such as DCS-933L and DCS-934L) unencrypted from the app to the camera, allowing attackers to obtain these credentials and gain control of the camera including the ability to view the camera's stream and make changes without the user's knowledge.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7698 represents a critical security flaw in D-Link mydlink+ mobile application versions 3.8.5 build 259 and earlier, specifically affecting D-Link camera models DCS-933L and DCS-934L with firmware versions 1.05.04. This issue constitutes a fundamental failure in the application's authentication mechanism where sensitive credentials are transmitted without encryption, creating an exploitable condition that compromises the security posture of connected surveillance devices. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication data, as the application fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for credential transmission between mobile clients and networked cameras.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure communication protocol where username and password credentials are sent in plain text format across network connections. This unencrypted transmission creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector that allows network eavesdroppers to intercept and decode authentication information using standard network monitoring tools. The flaw manifests when users authenticate their mobile applications to D-Link cameras, resulting in cleartext credentials being transmitted over potentially insecure network channels including public wifi networks or corporate networks lacking proper segmentation. This issue aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) classifications, representing a fundamental failure in secure communication implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete unauthorized access to surveillance systems, enabling attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including real-time video stream monitoring, recording manipulation, camera configuration changes, and potential network pivoting to other connected devices. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to establish persistent surveillance capabilities without user knowledge, potentially compromising privacy and security of locations monitored by these devices. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use compromised cameras as entry points for broader network infiltration activities, representing a significant risk to enterprise security environments where these cameras might be connected to internal networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) when attackers attempt to identify and exploit additional vulnerable devices within the network.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest firmware versions released by D-Link that address this specific credential transmission flaw, though users should verify that the updated versions properly implement encrypted communication protocols. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these cameras from critical network segments, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate credential interception attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing network access controls, deploying intrusion detection systems, and establishing regular security audits of networked devices. Users should also consider disabling remote access features when not actively required and implementing strong, unique passwords for camera accounts to minimize potential damage from credential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure communication implementation in IoT devices and highlights the necessity of proper cryptographic protection for authentication mechanisms in networked surveillance systems.