CVE-2020-6959 in MAXPRO VMS
Summary
by MITRE
The following versions of MAXPRO VMS and NVR, MAXPRO VMS:HNMSWVMS prior to Version VMS560 Build 595 T2-Patch, HNMSWVMSLT prior to Version VMS560 Build 595 T2-Patch, MAXPRO NVR: MAXPRO NVR XE prior to Version NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch, MAXPRO NVR SE prior to Version NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch, MAXPRO NVR PE prior to Version NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch, and MPNVRSWXX prior to Version NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch are vulnerable to an unsafe deserialization of untrusted data. An attacker may be able to remotely modify deserialized data without authentication using a specially crafted web request, resulting in remote code execution.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6959 affects multiple versions of MAXPRO video management systems and network video recorders, representing a critical unsafe deserialization flaw that exposes these security-critical devices to remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically impacts the HNMSWVMS, HNMSWVMSLT, MAXPRO NVR XE, MAXPRO NVR SE, MAXPRO NVR PE, and MPNVRSWXX product lines, all running versions prior to VMS560 Build 595 T2-Patch or NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch. The flaw resides in how these systems process untrusted data during the deserialization process, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate serialized objects without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize serialized data received through web requests. When the system processes incoming data structures that have been serialized for transmission, it does not adequately verify the integrity of the serialized content before deserializing it into executable code objects. This unsafe handling creates a direct vector for remote code execution, as attackers can craft malicious web requests containing specially formatted serialized data that, when processed by the vulnerable system, executes arbitrary code on the target device. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web protocols, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected security infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of video surveillance systems that are often deployed in sensitive environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain complete control over the affected devices, potentially enabling them to access live video feeds, modify recorded footage, disable security features, or use the compromised systems as launching points for further attacks within the network. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that this vulnerability could be leveraged by anyone who can send web requests to the affected systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and industrial security deployments where such devices may be exposed to untrusted network segments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches for versions VMS560 Build 595 T2-Patch and NVR 5.6 Build 595 T2-Patch, which address the unsafe deserialization flaw through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices to only trusted administrative networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerable devices within the organization's infrastructure, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses unsafe deserialization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through web services. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that video management systems often operate in environments where they are accessible from multiple network segments, potentially providing attackers with persistent access points for broader network infiltration. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of their network security posture, particularly focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure devices that may be exposed to external threats.