CVE-2020-28096 in FHD X1
Summary
by MITRE • 12/28/2020
FOSCAM FHD X1 1.14.2.4 devices allow attackers (with physical UART access) to login via the ipc.fos~ password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
This vulnerability affects FOSCAM FHD X1 security cameras running firmware version 1.14.2.4 and potentially other models in the FOSCAM lineup. The issue stems from a hardcoded credential configuration within the device's firmware that allows unauthorized access when an attacker gains physical access to the device's UART interface. The specific password ipc.fos~ represents a well-known default credential that should never be present in production environments but remains accessible due to improper firmware implementation.
The technical flaw manifests as a weak authentication mechanism that relies on hardcoded credentials rather than dynamic or properly secured authentication methods. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure credential storage and weak authentication practices, which are commonly associated with CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials) and CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information). The exposure occurs at the device level where physical access through UART ports enables attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures by simply using the known credential combination.
Attackers with physical access to the device can exploit this vulnerability to gain administrative control over the camera system, potentially leading to full compromise of the surveillance infrastructure. This access could enable unauthorized viewing of live feeds, modification of camera settings, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for accessing other networked devices within the same network segment. The attack vector specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1018 (Remote System Discovery) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) when combined with physical access to establish persistent control.
The operational impact extends beyond immediate unauthorized access as compromised cameras can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts. Organizations relying on FOSCAM devices for security monitoring face significant risks including privacy violations, data breaches, and potential legal consequences from regulatory compliance failures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal attack sophistication once physical access is achieved, making it exploitable by both insider threats and external attackers who gain access to the device location.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from FOSCAM to address the hardcoded credential issue, implementation of proper physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to UART interfaces, and regular security audits of networked devices. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate security camera systems from critical infrastructure, and organizations should implement robust credential management policies that eliminate hardcoded credentials in all embedded systems. Additionally, device configuration reviews should ensure that default accounts are disabled or have strong, unique passwords assigned during deployment rather than relying on manufacturer defaults that remain accessible through physical interface access.