CVE-2018-7829 in Sarix Enhanced Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Query vulnerability exists in the 1st Gen. Pelco Sarix Enhanced Camera and Spectra Enhanced PTZ Camera which allows an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2023
The CVE-2018-7829 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the first generation Pelco Sarix Enhanced Camera and Spectra Enhanced PTZ Camera models, specifically manifesting as an improper neutralization of special elements in query parameters. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-74 category, which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The flaw exists within the camera's web interface handling of user-supplied input, where query strings containing special characters are not properly sanitized before being processed by the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious command sequences through crafted query parameters, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. When the camera processes these malformed queries, the system fails to properly escape or encode special characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or other shell metacharacters that could trigger command execution. This improper handling creates an environment where arbitrary system commands can be executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the camera's underlying operating system, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7829 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to networked camera systems that are often deployed in critical security infrastructure environments. These cameras are frequently used in perimeter security, surveillance operations, and industrial monitoring systems where unauthorized access could lead to complete compromise of security perimeters. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, modify camera configurations, access stored video footage, or even use the compromised camera as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) techniques, representing a direct exploitation of command injection capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7829 should include immediate firmware updates from Pelco addressing the specific input validation issues, network segmentation to isolate affected camera systems, and implementation of web application firewalls to filter suspicious query parameters. Organizations should also conduct thorough network scans to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure input validation practices and proper output encoding in web applications, particularly in embedded systems where limited computational resources may compromise security implementations. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls that restrict direct access to camera web interfaces from untrusted networks, as the vulnerability requires network connectivity to exploit effectively.