CVE-2020-8101 in DIY HD Video Doorbell
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2021
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in HTTP interface of ADT LifeShield DIY HD Video Doorbell allows an attacker on the same network to execute commands on the device. This issue affects: ADT LifeShield DIY HD Video Doorbell version 1.0.02R09 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2021
The CVE-2020-8101 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within the HTTP interface of ADT LifeShield DIY HD Video Doorbell devices, specifically impacting firmware versions 1.0.02R09 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to inject malicious commands through input parameters. The vulnerability exists in the device's web-based management interface, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries who have network access to the affected device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input that gets processed by the device's command execution engine without proper sanitization or validation. The HTTP interface likely accepts parameters that are directly passed to system commands, creating a path for arbitrary code execution. When an attacker sends specially crafted HTTP requests containing malicious command sequences, the device processes these inputs without adequate filtering, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the device's user context. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in IoT environments where devices often run with elevated privileges and have direct access to network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected doorbell device. An attacker on the same network can potentially access the device's file system, modify configuration settings, extract stored credentials, and even use the device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the local network. The attack surface is further expanded because video doorbells often serve as entry points for home networks, potentially allowing lateral movement to other connected devices such as smart home hubs, cameras, or even personal computers. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol DNS, as attackers can leverage the device's network capabilities to further compromise the environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from ADT to address the command injection flaw, along with network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical network segments. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that IoT devices operate with minimal required permissions and that default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data in web interfaces, particularly in IoT devices where security considerations are often secondary to functionality and user experience. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious command injection attempts targeting known vulnerable IoT device types.