CVE-2019-17101 in Smart Indoor Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in firmware versions prior to x.xx of Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera allows an attacker to execute commands on the device. This issue affects: Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera version and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2024
The CVE-2019-17101 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera firmware ecosystem, where inadequate input validation permits malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that enables attackers to inject command sequences into application interfaces. The flaw specifically manifests in the firmware versions prior to x.xx, indicating that the manufacturer had not properly addressed command sanitization mechanisms within their device communication protocols. The attack vector typically involves manipulating device configuration parameters or network interfaces to inject malicious command sequences that are then executed by the device's underlying operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied inputs that are processed within command execution contexts. When the camera receives network commands or configuration updates, it fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could alter the intended execution flow. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that bypass normal access controls and execute with the privileges of the device's operating system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can communicate with the device over the network. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these cameras are often deployed in residential and commercial environments where network security may be suboptimal, creating multiple potential entry points for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution to encompass complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains command execution capabilities, they can manipulate camera functionality, access stored video footage, modify device settings, or even use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 tactic for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. This vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in embedded systems, as the camera's firmware likely processes user inputs through shell command execution mechanisms without proper sanitization. The compromise of such security-critical devices can lead to privacy violations, unauthorized surveillance, and potential data breaches that affect both individual users and enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17101 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Netatmo to address the command injection vulnerability, as this represents the most direct solution to prevent exploitation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit communication with affected devices, including firewall rules that restrict network access to only necessary ports and protocols. Regular security audits of embedded device configurations are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked equipment, as this issue demonstrates the widespread nature of command injection flaws in IoT devices. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed logging of device configuration changes to support forensic analysis if compromise occurs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in embedded systems and the importance of implementing proper input validation mechanisms to prevent command injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.