CVE-2021-44399 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. GetPtzPreset 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 CVE-2021-44399 represents a critical denial of service condition within the reolink RLC-410W security camera firmware version 3.0.0.136_20121102. This issue manifests in the cgiserver.cgi component which handles JSON command parsing for various camera functions including PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) control operations. The specific flaw occurs when processing HTTP requests containing the GetPtzPreset parameter, where the system fails to properly validate the expected object structure, leading to unexpected behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the JSON parser functionality of the camera's web server component. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing a specially formatted GetPtzPreset parameter that does not conform to the expected object structure, the system's command parser encounters a parsing error that ultimately results in a complete device reboot. This represents a classic buffer overflow or parsing error scenario where malformed input causes the application to crash and restart. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for "Endpoint Denial of Service" through resource consumption and system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it provides attackers with a reliable method to remotely compromise the availability of security camera systems. In enterprise environments, this could result in complete loss of surveillance coverage during critical periods, potentially creating security blind spots that attackers could exploit. The vulnerability affects the device's core functionality since it operates at the web server level, making it accessible via standard network protocols without requiring authentication. This makes it particularly dangerous as any remote attacker with network access can trigger the reboot condition, effectively creating a persistent denial of service condition that could be used for further exploitation attempts or to mask other malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-44399 should prioritize firmware updates from the vendor as the primary remediation approach, as the vulnerability exists within the device's core software implementation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure, including restricting access to the camera's web interface to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring for unusual reboot patterns or HTTP request patterns could serve as an early detection mechanism. Organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed HTTP requests targeting the specific cgiserver.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling network communications and security functions, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST SP 800-160 guidelines for secure software development.