CVE-2020-24056 in 5620PTZ
Summary
by MITRE
A hardcoded credentials vulnerability exists in Verint 5620PTZ Verint_FW_0_42, Verint 4320 V4320_FW_0_23, V4320_FW_0_31, and Verint S5120FD Verint_FW_0_42units. This could cause a confidentiality issue when using the FTP, Telnet, or SSH protocols.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2020
The hardcoded credentials vulnerability identified in CVE-2020-24056 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Verint surveillance camera models including the 5620PTZ, 4320 series, and S5120FD devices. This vulnerability stems from the inclusion of default authentication credentials within the firmware code itself, creating a persistent security risk that persists across device deployments and updates. The affected systems utilize FTP, Telnet, and SSH protocols for remote management and data transmission, making them particularly susceptible to unauthorized access and data exfiltration. The presence of hardcoded credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedding of static username and password combinations directly into the firmware binaries of these surveillance devices. This approach eliminates the requirement for administrators to configure unique authentication credentials during deployment, effectively creating a universal set of access keys that remain unchanged regardless of the device's operational environment. When devices are deployed in sensitive environments such as corporate facilities, critical infrastructure, or government installations, these hardcoded credentials become a persistent threat vector that can be discovered through firmware analysis, reverse engineering, or by leveraging publicly available information about default configurations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication mechanisms used for remote management protocols, allowing attackers to establish unauthorized connections and potentially gain full administrative control over the affected devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass comprehensive confidentiality breaches and potential system compromise. Attackers who discover and exploit these hardcoded credentials can access live video feeds, modify device configurations, disable security features, and potentially use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration. The risk is particularly severe in environments where these devices are deployed for security monitoring, as the compromise of surveillance equipment can lead to complete loss of situational awareness and potential exposure of sensitive operational data. Network reconnaissance activities become significantly easier for adversaries who can leverage these credentials to map network topology, identify other vulnerable systems, and establish persistent access points within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in cybersecurity frameworks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Verint, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and comprehensive credential management practices. The recommended approach involves conducting thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within the network infrastructure, followed by mandatory firmware upgrades that eliminate the hardcoded credentials. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and protocol violations, while access controls should be implemented to restrict remote management capabilities to trusted network segments only. Security teams should also consider implementing network access control lists and firewall rules that limit communication between surveillance devices and external networks, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure software development practices and the critical need for regular security assessments of embedded systems in industrial control environments, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations must also ensure that default credentials are changed during initial deployment and that regular security audits are conducted to verify that no hardcoded credentials remain within operational systems.