CVE-2019-12920 in Cylan Clever Dog Smart Camera DOG-2W
Summary
by MITRE
On Shenzhen Cylan Clever Dog Smart Camera DOG-2W and DOG-2W-V4 devices, an attacker on the network can login remotely to the camera and gain root access. The device ships with a hardcoded 12345678 password for the root account, accessible from a TELNET login prompt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The CVE-2019-12920 vulnerability affects Shenzhen Cylan Clever Dog Smart Camera models DOG-2W and DOG-2W-V4, representing a critical security flaw that allows remote unauthorized access to network-connected devices. This vulnerability stems from poor credential management practices where the device manufacturer embedded a default password directly into the firmware, creating an inherent backdoor that remains accessible throughout the device lifecycle. The flaw specifically manifests through the Telnet service which remains enabled and accessible without proper authentication mechanisms, allowing any network-connected attacker to establish a remote connection and obtain root privileges. This represents a fundamental failure in secure system design and violates core principles of authentication and access control that should be implemented at the network service level.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Telnet protocol which provides a command-line interface to the device's operating system. The hardcoded password "12345678" serves as a universal key that bypasses all normal authentication mechanisms, enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the camera system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission. The Telnet service operates without encryption, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for both credential theft and direct command execution. Attackers can leverage this access to modify device configurations, capture video feeds, manipulate camera settings, or even use the device as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the surveillance system. Once root access is obtained, adversaries can manipulate video streams, disable security features, modify device firmware, or use the camera as a launching point for attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the device is physically secured or the firmware is updated, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and residential security deployments. This flaw fundamentally undermines the trust model of IoT security, where users expect their devices to be protected against unauthorized access, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which covers legitimate credentials and T1021.4 which addresses remote services through Telnet protocols. The implications are severe for privacy and security as these devices are often deployed in sensitive locations where unauthorized access could lead to surveillance violations, data breaches, or further network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-12920 require immediate action to address the hardcoded credential vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical infrastructure and apply network access controls to prevent unauthorized Telnet access. The most effective long-term solution involves firmware updates from the manufacturer that remove or change the hardcoded credentials, though this requires verification that the update process itself is secure. Network administrators should disable Telnet services where possible and implement encrypted alternatives such as SSH for legitimate administrative access. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other networked devices, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in IoT device development. The remediation process must also include proper credential management policies and regular security audits to prevent recurrence of such design flaws.