CVE-2021-44370 in RLC-410W
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2022
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the cgiserver.cgi JSON command parser functionality of reolink RLC-410W v3.0.0.136_20121102. A specially-crafted HTTP request can lead to a reboot. SetFtp param is not object. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-44370 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Reolink RLC-410W security camera firmware version 3.0.0.136_20121102. This issue manifests in the cgiserver.cgi component's JSON command parser functionality, which serves as the primary interface for remote configuration and management of the device. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the SetFtp parameter, which is designed to configure FTP settings for the camera's file transfer operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing malformed JSON data with the SetFtp parameter, the system fails to properly validate the input structure, leading to a complete device reboot. This vulnerability exists due to inadequate input sanitization and parameter validation within the JSON parsing mechanism, creating a path for arbitrary code execution through system resource exhaustion or memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with common web application attack vectors and specifically relates to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation in software systems. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with command injection and buffer overflow conditions, where the improper handling of the SetFtp parameter creates a situation where the system cannot distinguish between valid and malicious input. The JSON parser in the cgiserver.cgi component fails to properly validate that the SetFtp parameter is indeed an object as expected by the system's architecture, allowing attackers to craft requests that cause the device to process malformed data structures. This misconfiguration enables the attacker to manipulate the device's normal operating procedures and force an unintended system restart, effectively creating a persistent denial of service condition that can be repeatedly triggered.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44370 extends beyond simple service disruption to create potential security implications for surveillance infrastructure. When a security camera repeatedly reboots, it creates gaps in surveillance coverage that attackers can exploit to avoid detection during criminal activities. The device's operational reliability is compromised, potentially leading to extended periods of unmonitored premises or critical security blind spots. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001, representing spearphishing with social engineering techniques that could be used to deliver the malicious HTTP requests. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning for enterprise security deployments where multiple Reolink devices may be managed through centralized systems, as a single compromised device can potentially serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Reolink, which would address the root cause through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the camera's administrative interfaces, limiting the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual reboot patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, providing early warning capabilities for security operations teams. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls that limit which systems can communicate with the camera's HTTP management interfaces, reducing the likelihood of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's remediation requires both immediate patching and long-term security architecture improvements to prevent similar issues in other networked devices within the organization's infrastructure.