CVE-2021-3787 in Hubble Camera
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2021
A vulnerability was reported in some Motorola-branded Binatone Hubble Cameras that could allow an attacker with local access to obtain the MQTT credentials that could result in unauthorized access to backend Hubble services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3787 affects Motorola-branded Binatone Hubble Cameras, representing a significant security weakness that stems from improper credential handling within the device firmware. This issue manifests as a local privilege escalation vulnerability that allows attackers with physical or administrative access to the device to extract MQTT credentials stored within the camera's memory. The flaw resides in the camera's configuration management system where authentication tokens and service credentials are not adequately protected or encrypted, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to backend Hubble services that manage video streaming and device communication protocols.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication). Attackers can leverage local access to read memory segments containing the MQTT credentials, which are typically stored in plaintext or with insufficient cryptographic protection. This weakness enables attackers to establish unauthorized connections to the Hubble backend services, potentially gaining access to live video feeds, device configuration parameters, and other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple credential theft as it provides attackers with persistent access to the camera's communication channels and service endpoints.
The operational implications of CVE-2021-3787 are substantial for organizations relying on these security cameras for surveillance and monitoring purposes. Once exploited, attackers can maintain long-term access to the network infrastructure, potentially using the compromised cameras as entry points for broader network infiltration. The attack vector typically involves physical access to the device or exploitation of a local administrative account, making it particularly concerning for environments where device security is not properly enforced. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) when attackers use the stolen credentials to access backend services. The compromised cameras could serve as persistent backdoors within the network, allowing attackers to monitor activities, collect sensitive information, and potentially control other connected devices through the Hubble service infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-3787 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Motorola, which address the credential storage vulnerability through proper encryption and access controls. Organizations must implement network segmentation to isolate camera networks from critical infrastructure, employ network monitoring to detect unusual MQTT traffic patterns, and conduct regular security assessments of connected devices. The solution requires comprehensive credential management practices including regular credential rotation, implementation of secure key storage mechanisms, and enforcement of least privilege access controls. Additionally, device hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing secure boot processes, and maintaining detailed audit logs of access attempts should be deployed. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for MQTT protocol anomalies and unauthorized access attempts to backend services.