CVE-2021-44402 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. GetPtzSerial param is not object. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2022
The CVE-2021-44402 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service condition affecting the Reolink RLC-410W security camera device running firmware version v3.0.0.136_20121102. This vulnerability specifically targets the cgiserver.cgi component's JSON command parser functionality, which serves as the primary interface for remote management and configuration of the device. The flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing malformed JSON data, particularly those targeting the GetPtzSerial parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper error handling within the JSON parsing routine, creating a path where malformed data can cause the device to crash and subsequently reboot. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a buffer overflow or parsing error that can be exploited to disrupt service availability. The attack vector is straightforward and accessible, requiring only a basic HTTP request to be sent to the device's web interface, making it particularly dangerous for networked security infrastructure.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves crafting a specific HTTP request that contains a malformed JSON payload targeting the GetPtzSerial parameter within the cgiserver.cgi interface. When the device processes this request, the JSON parser fails to properly validate the incoming data structure, specifically when encountering a parameter that is not formatted as a proper JSON object. This parsing failure triggers an unhandled exception within the device's firmware, causing the system to enter an unstable state and ultimately reboot. The device's operating system appears to lack proper exception handling mechanisms to recover from malformed JSON input, resulting in a complete service disruption. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a straightforward exploitation path that does not require authentication or specialized knowledge beyond basic web request construction. The vulnerability affects the device's availability and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly concerning for security infrastructure deployments where continuous operation is critical.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44402 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise broader security operations within environments relying on Reolink cameras. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause unexpected device reboots at any time, potentially during critical surveillance operations or security incidents. This disruption can lead to gaps in video recording coverage, loss of security monitoring capabilities, and potential compromise of security protocols that depend on continuous camera operation. Organizations using these devices may experience unexplained service interruptions, requiring manual intervention to restore camera functionality. The vulnerability affects the device's reliability and can be particularly problematic in industrial or enterprise security environments where continuous monitoring is essential. From a security perspective, this denial of service condition can also serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, as it demonstrates the device's vulnerability to input manipulation and may indicate additional weaknesses in the firmware's security architecture. The exploitation of this vulnerability can be automated, allowing for repeated disruption attacks that can effectively render the device unusable for extended periods. The impact is compounded by the fact that the device may not provide adequate logging or alerting mechanisms to notify administrators of the exploitation attempts, potentially allowing attackers to conduct sustained disruption campaigns without detection. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual reboot patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability, as the device's behavior during exploitation provides limited forensic information for incident response teams.