CVE-2019-9682 in Device
Summary
by MITRE
Dahua devices with Build time before December 2019 use strong security login mode by default, but in order to be compatible with the normal login of early devices, some devices retain the weak security login mode that users can control. If the user uses a weak security login method, an attacker can monitor the device network to intercept network packets to attack the device. So it is recommended that the user disable this login method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-9682 affects Dahua surveillance devices manufactured before December 2019, representing a significant security weakness in network authentication mechanisms. This issue stems from the device firmware's backward compatibility design, where older weak security login modes are maintained alongside newer strong security protocols. The default configuration of these devices enables strong security login mode, yet the retention of weak login capabilities creates an exploitable attack vector that adversaries can leverage. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication process where legacy login methods remain accessible, allowing unauthorized access through network packet interception techniques. This design flaw exemplifies poor security by default practices where device manufacturers maintain legacy compatibility at the expense of security posture, creating a persistent risk for users who may unknowingly enable weaker authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the network protocol handling within Dahua devices, where weak security login methods can be activated through user configuration settings. When users enable these legacy login modes, the authentication process becomes susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and packet sniffing techniques. Attackers can monitor network traffic to capture authentication credentials or session tokens, exploiting the inherent weaknesses in the older authentication protocols. This vulnerability operates at the network layer and application layer, where unencrypted or poorly encrypted credentials are transmitted, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network monitoring is possible. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these weak login methods are not automatically disabled, requiring active user intervention to secure the device configuration.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9682 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential complete device compromise and data breaches. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain unauthorized control over the surveillance system, potentially enabling them to view live feeds, access recorded footage, modify device settings, or even use the device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. This risk is particularly severe for security infrastructure where surveillance devices serve as critical components of overall security operations. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, where weak authentication mechanisms directly contradict the principle of least privilege and proper access control. Organizations using affected Dahua devices face potential regulatory violations and increased risk exposure when these legacy authentication methods remain enabled.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves disabling the weak security login mode through device configuration settings, ensuring that only strong authentication mechanisms are enabled. This approach aligns with the principle of defense in depth and the concept of least privilege as defined in various cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27001 and NIST guidelines. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of their Dahua device configurations to identify and disable weak authentication methods. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular firmware updates and security assessments, as newer device versions typically address such legacy compatibility issues by disabling weak authentication modes by default. Organizations should also implement network access controls and encryption protocols to further protect against interception attacks, following the guidance provided in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for network security controls.