CVE-2019-14698 in N-Series Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on MicroDigital N-series cameras with firmware through 6400.0.8.5. In a CGI program running under the HTTPD web server, a buffer overflow in the param parameter leads to remote code execution in the context of the nobody account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
This vulnerability exists within MicroDigital N-series security cameras running firmware versions up to 6400.0.8.5, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that directly impacts networked video surveillance systems. The issue manifests in the CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program component that operates under the HTTPD web server environment, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system remotely without requiring authentication. The buffer overflow occurs specifically within the handling of the param parameter, where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to exceed allocated memory boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory segments. This memory corruption vulnerability enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the nobody user account, which typically represents the lowest privilege level on Unix-like systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, and represents a classic example of how web application flaws can translate into system compromise. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on these surveillance devices, as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to video feeds, potentially manipulate camera functionality, or establish persistent access points within networked environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates how embedded web servers in IoT devices can become attack vectors for broader network compromise. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing oversized parameter values that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system control. The fact that execution occurs within the context of the nobody account, while limiting privilege escalation potential, still provides attackers with a foothold for further reconnaissance and exploitation. This vulnerability specifically relates to the ATT&CK technique T1210, which involves exploitation of remote services through the use of buffer overflows to gain system access. The impact extends beyond simple camera compromise, as these devices often operate within corporate networks and may serve as entry points for lateral movement attacks. Organizations using these devices face potential exposure to data breaches, privacy violations, and disruption of security monitoring operations. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of firmware updates and security patch management in embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive surveillance data. Network segmentation and access controls become crucial defensive measures to limit potential exploitation impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from MicroDigital to address the buffer overflow condition in the CGI program. Organizations must implement network monitoring to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual parameter values in web requests to camera web interfaces. Access controls should be enforced through network segmentation, ensuring that surveillance cameras operate on isolated network segments with minimal direct access to critical systems. Regular vulnerability assessments of embedded devices should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other networked equipment. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters. Additionally, organizations should establish robust patch management procedures specifically for IoT and embedded systems, recognizing that these devices often receive less frequent security updates than traditional computing systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for secure coding practices in embedded systems and the importance of conducting security testing during the development lifecycle to prevent such memory corruption flaws from reaching production environments.