CVE-2019-20467 in Smart HD Wifi Security Camera EAN 2
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2021
An issue was discovered on Sannce Smart HD Wifi Security Camera EAN 2 950004 595317 devices. The device by default has a TELNET interface available (which is not advertised or functionally used, but is nevertheless available). Two backdoor accounts (root and default) exist that can be used on this interface. The usernames and passwords of the backdoor accounts are the same on all devices. Attackers can use these backdoor accounts to obtain access and execute code as root within the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The Sannce Smart HD Wifi Security Camera EAN 2 950004 595317 represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2019-20467, where the device exposes a TELNET interface by default without proper access controls or authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw that leaves the device's network services accessible to unauthorized users, creating a persistent backdoor that undermines the security posture of the entire surveillance infrastructure. The TELNET service operates on the device without any advertisement or functional necessity, yet remains fully accessible to anyone who discovers its presence, establishing an attack surface that directly violates security best practices for embedded IoT devices.
The technical flaw manifests through the presence of hardcoded backdoor accounts with identical credentials across all affected devices, specifically the root and default user accounts. This design decision eliminates any form of dynamic credential generation or secure authentication mechanisms, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to gain root-level access with predictable credentials. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-255, which covers issues with credentials management. The consistency of these credentials across all devices creates a scalable attack vector that enables mass exploitation rather than requiring individualized reconnaissance efforts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as attackers can execute arbitrary code with root privileges within the device's operating system. This elevated access level provides complete control over the device's functionality, including the ability to modify firmware, access stored video footage, manipulate camera settings, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The implications for security camera deployments are particularly severe, as these devices often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, and the compromised cameras can be used to monitor and record sensitive activities while remaining undetected.
The attack surface and exploitation pathways for this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK techniques including T1075, which covers legitimate credentials usage, and T1059, which addresses command and scripting interpreters. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that enables long-term access to surveillance environments, potentially allowing attackers to maintain control over the device for extended periods. Organizations deploying these cameras face significant risk of data breaches, privacy violations, and potential use as staging points for more extensive network attacks. The vulnerability's presence in IoT security cameras specifically highlights the critical need for secure-by-design principles in embedded systems and proper credential management practices that prevent the inclusion of default accounts with predictable credentials.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control measures, including disabling the TELNET service entirely if not required, implementing network access controls to restrict access to the device's management interfaces, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Device firmware updates should be prioritized if available, though the hardcoded nature of the vulnerability suggests that patching may be limited to removing the service entirely. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement proper network monitoring to detect anomalous TELNET access patterns, ensuring that any unauthorized access attempts are quickly identified and responded to through established incident response procedures.