CVE-2021-44379 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. SetAutoMaint 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-2021-44379 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the reolink RLC-410W security camera firmware version 3.0.0.136_20121102. This issue specifically targets the cgiserver.cgi component responsible for processing JSON commands, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that can result in unauthorized device rebooting. The flaw manifests when the system receives a malformed HTTP request containing a SetAutoMaint parameter that fails to conform to expected object structure requirements. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system does not adequately validate the structure of incoming data before processing. The affected device operates within the embedded systems domain, making it particularly susceptible to such attacks as it typically lacks robust security mechanisms found in traditional computing environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the JSON command parser within the camera's web server interface. When an attacker crafts a specific HTTP request containing a malformed SetAutoMaint parameter, the system's failure to properly validate the parameter structure causes a crash in the cgiserver.cgi process. This malfunction ultimately results in an automatic device reboot, effectively denying legitimate users access to the security camera functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-129, improper validation of array indices, as the system fails to validate parameter types before attempting to process them. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected devices that are often deployed in unattended locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise overall security infrastructure. Network administrators responsible for maintaining surveillance systems may find their cameras repeatedly rebooting, creating gaps in monitoring coverage and potentially masking actual security incidents. The automatic reboot behavior can be exploited by malicious actors to create persistent denial of service conditions, effectively rendering the security camera ineffective for its intended purpose. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, "Toggle System Recovery Mode," as it leverages the device's built-in recovery mechanisms to achieve unauthorized system restarts. The attack can be executed continuously, allowing an attacker to maintain persistent disruption of service without requiring physical access or complex multi-stage attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-44379 should focus on immediate firmware updates from reolink to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized reboot patterns. The implementation of web application firewalls can help filter malformed HTTP requests before they reach the vulnerable component. Additionally, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary web services and implementing strict access controls to limit exposure. Regular security assessments of embedded devices within the network perimeter are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked equipment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the need for proper input validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future firmware releases.