CVE-2020-6852 in Cloud Storage Intelligent Camera TV-288ZD-2MP
Summary
by MITRE
CACAGOO Cloud Storage Intelligent Camera TV-288ZD-2MP with firmware 3.4.2.0919 has weak authentication of TELNET access, leading to root privileges without any password required.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The CVE-2020-6852 vulnerability affects the CACAGOO Cloud Storage Intelligent Camera model TV-288ZD-2MP running firmware version 3.4.2.0919, representing a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of networked video surveillance equipment. This vulnerability specifically targets the telnet service configuration, which is commonly used for administrative access to network devices but requires proper authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. The flaw manifests as a complete absence of password protection for the telnet service, allowing any remote attacker to establish a root-level connection to the device without providing credentials. This represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture, as telnet is inherently insecure and should never be exposed to unauthenticated access in production environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper configuration of the device's telnet daemon, where the service is enabled by default without requiring authentication. The device's firmware appears to have been configured with a default administrative account that lacks password protection, or more likely, the telnet service operates without any authentication checks at all. This flaw allows an attacker to simply connect to the telnet port, typically port 23, and gain immediate root access to the device's operating system. The absence of any password requirement for administrative access violates fundamental security principles and creates a backdoor that can be exploited by anyone with network access to the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-305 Authentication Bypass and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 Authentication Package and T1021.004 Remote Services to establish persistence and maintain access to the compromised device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the surveillance camera and its associated cloud storage functionality. Once authenticated, an attacker can modify device configurations, access stored video footage, manipulate camera settings, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems on the local network. The compromised camera could serve as a persistent threat actor entry point, enabling long-term surveillance of the targeted environment while remaining undetected. Additionally, the device's cloud storage capabilities mean that sensitive video data could be exfiltrated or manipulated, potentially exposing personal privacy and compromising security operations. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on these devices for security monitoring, as it creates a significant risk of unauthorized access to critical surveillance infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability by disabling the telnet service entirely, as it is fundamentally insecure and should never be exposed to external networks. The recommended approach involves configuring the device to disable telnet access and enable only secure alternatives such as SSH for administrative access. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate surveillance equipment from general network traffic, and firewall rules should be configured to block access to telnet ports from untrusted networks. Device firmware should be updated to the latest available version if a vendor patch exists, though this particular vulnerability may require device replacement if no patch is available. Regular security audits should include verification of telnet service status, and network monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to telnet ports. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device configuration practices and adherence to security standards such as NIST SP 800-125 and ISO/IEC 27001 to prevent similar authentication bypass issues in networked security equipment.