CVE-2019-10256 in IPCam
Summary
by MITRE
An authentication bypass vulnerability in VIVOTEK IPCam versions prior to 0x13a was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10256 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting VIVOTEK IPCam devices running firmware versions earlier than 0x13a. This issue resides within the device's authentication mechanism, potentially allowing unauthorized access to network cameras without proper credentials. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture where the system fails to properly validate user credentials or session tokens during the authentication process. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in surveillance environments where cameras are often deployed in sensitive locations and require robust access controls to prevent unauthorized viewing or manipulation of video feeds.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper input validation or insufficient session management within the camera's web interface or API endpoints. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that bypass the normal authentication flow, potentially gaining access to live video streams, configuration settings, or administrative functions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for maintaining access to systems. The vulnerability may stem from weak cryptographic implementations, predictable session identifiers, or flawed access control checks that allow attackers to assume administrative privileges through crafted requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, privacy violations, and system compromise. Surveillance systems compromised through this vulnerability could allow attackers to monitor protected areas, manipulate camera settings, or even use the devices as entry points for broader network attacks. Organizations relying on VIVOTEK IPCams for security monitoring face significant risks including exposure of sensitive footage, potential denial of service conditions, and unauthorized configuration changes that could disable security features. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where camera systems are integrated with larger security infrastructures and may be used for access control or perimeter monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10256 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 0x13a or later, which contain patches addressing the authentication bypass flaw. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate camera networks from critical business systems, while implementing strong network access controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Regular security audits should verify that all camera devices are running patched firmware versions, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous access patterns or unauthorized authentication attempts. Organizations should also implement network-based access controls that limit which IP addresses can communicate with camera devices, and consider deploying additional security layers such as VPNs or dedicated security appliances to protect camera communications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for network security.