CVE-2020-5735 in Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Amcrest cameras and NVR are vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow over port 37777. An authenticated remote attacker can abuse this issue to crash the device and possibly execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5735 affects Amcrest surveillance cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) operating on port 37777. This represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit a stack-based buffer overflow condition within the affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the network service listening on the designated port, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through crafted network requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a stack-based buffer overflow occurring when the device processes incoming data through the network interface bound to port 37777. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw permits attackers to manipulate the program execution flow by overwriting return addresses and potentially injecting malicious code into the device's memory space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Amcrest surveillance infrastructure. The ability to crash devices remotely compromises the availability of critical security monitoring systems, potentially leaving facilities unprotected during the device downtime. More concerning is the potential for arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to gain complete control over the affected devices. This could enable attackers to access stored video footage, modify system configurations, install persistent backdoors, or use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration activities.
The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to exploit this vulnerability. However, this requirement does not significantly diminish the threat level, as many surveillance systems often use default or weak credentials that can be easily compromised through brute force attacks, credential stuffing, or social engineering techniques. The combination of remote access capability with authenticated exploitation creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can leverage legitimate access to escalate privileges and achieve persistent control over surveillance infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unused network services on port 37777, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms with multi-factor authentication, implementing network segmentation to isolate surveillance equipment, and applying vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly for network services handling external communications. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns on port 37777, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network services. This vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive incident response planning that includes scenarios involving compromised surveillance infrastructure, as such incidents can have significant implications for both physical and cybersecurity posture.