CVE-2019-14701 in N-Series Camera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on MicroDigital N-series cameras with firmware through 6400.0.8.5. An attacker can trigger read operations on an arbitrary file via Path Traversal in the TZ parameter, but cannot retrieve the data that is read. This causes a denial of service if the filename is, for example, /dev/random.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14701 affects MicroDigital N-series network cameras running firmware versions through 6400.0.8.5, representing a significant security weakness in embedded network video equipment. This issue stems from improper input validation within the camera's web interface handling of the TZ parameter, which allows attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal techniques. The flaw specifically manifests when the camera processes time zone parameters without adequate sanitization, enabling malicious actors to craft requests that target arbitrary files on the device's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the TZ parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy, potentially accessing sensitive files or system resources. While the vulnerability does not permit direct data retrieval from the targeted files, it creates a condition where the camera's file reading mechanisms can be triggered against arbitrary paths, leading to system instability and resource exhaustion.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14701 manifests primarily as a denial of service condition that can severely compromise the functionality of affected network cameras. When an attacker targets system files such as /dev/random through the vulnerable TZ parameter, the camera's file system operations become overwhelmed with requests for non-standard file access patterns. This results in the device consuming excessive resources or entering a state where legitimate operations cannot proceed normally, effectively rendering the camera non-functional for its intended surveillance purposes. The vulnerability particularly impacts network security infrastructure where these cameras serve as critical monitoring devices, potentially creating security gaps during the device's compromised state.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from MicroDigital to address the root cause of the vulnerability, as well as network-level restrictions that limit access to camera web interfaces and implement proper input validation at the network perimeter. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, where attackers leverage web application flaws to disrupt services. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing network segmentation to isolate camera networks, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious path traversal patterns in network traffic. Regular security assessments of embedded devices and maintaining up-to-date firmware repositories remain critical for preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in network security infrastructure.