CVE-2019-9681 in IPC-HDW1X2X
Summary
by MITRE
Online upgrade information in some firmware packages of Dahua products is not encrypted. Attackers can obtain this information by analyzing firmware packages by specific means. Affected products include: IPC-HDW1X2X,IPC-HFW1X2X,IPC-HDW2X2X,IPC-HFW2X2X,IPC-HDW4X2X,IPC-HFW4X2X,IPC-HDBW4X2X,IPC-HDW5X2X,IPC-HFW5X2X for versions which Build time is before August 18,2019.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9681 represents a significant security weakness in Dahua surveillance equipment firmware that exposes sensitive upgrade information through insufficient encryption mechanisms. This flaw affects a range of network video cameras and recording devices including various models from the IPC-HDW and IPC-HFW series, with specific impacts on devices manufactured before August 18, 2019. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of online upgrade information within firmware packages, creating opportunities for unauthorized access to critical system data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper encryption for upgrade-related metadata within firmware images. Attackers can exploit this weakness by performing firmware analysis using specialized tools and techniques to extract sensitive information that would normally be protected through cryptographic means. This unencrypted upgrade information may contain system configuration details, version identifiers, and other operational parameters that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in software implementations, specifically focusing on the inadequate protection of sensitive data through encryption mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks targeting Dahua surveillance systems. Security researchers and malicious actors can leverage this information to understand device configurations, identify potential attack vectors, and develop targeted exploitation strategies. The exposure of upgrade information may enable attackers to craft more effective social engineering campaigns or to identify specific device models that may have additional vulnerabilities. This weakness particularly affects organizations relying on Dahua security infrastructure, as it undermines the integrity of their device management processes and creates opportunities for unauthorized system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Dahua to address the encryption weakness, comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized firmware analysis activities, and enhanced access controls for device management interfaces. The remediation process requires careful coordination between security teams and device administrators to ensure proper firmware deployment while maintaining system availability. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and intrusion detection measures to prevent unauthorized access to device management protocols that could be leveraged in conjunction with this vulnerability. The incident highlights the critical importance of cryptographic protection in embedded systems and firmware implementations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1552 for unsecured credentials and T1071 for application layer protocols that may be exploited to access sensitive information.