CVE-2021-44407 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. TestEmail 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 CVE-2021-44407 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service weakness in the Reolink RLC-410W security camera firmware version 3.0.0.136_20121102. This vulnerability specifically targets the cgiserver.cgi component which handles JSON command parsing operations within the device's web interface. The flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing malformed JSON data, particularly in the TestEmail parameter field. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malformed JSON objects, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of JSON parsing within the camera's web server component. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing a specially formatted TestEmail parameter that does not conform to expected JSON object structure, the cgiserver.cgi module fails to properly validate this input. This parsing failure results in an uncontrolled system state that ultimately triggers a device reboot. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely through the device's web interface. The root cause aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as insufficient validation of JSON data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the security posture of the entire surveillance network. A successful exploitation can result in persistent denial of service conditions that may go unnoticed by network administrators, especially in environments where security cameras are deployed in critical locations such as industrial facilities, retail stores, or residential properties. The automatic reboot behavior can lead to gaps in video surveillance coverage, potentially providing attackers with opportunities to conduct physical security breaches without detection. Furthermore, the vulnerability can be exploited repeatedly, creating ongoing service interruptions that may mask other security incidents or prevent proper incident response procedures from functioning effectively.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Reolink to address the JSON parsing flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and restrict HTTP access to only trusted administrative networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malformed JSON requests and monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, which emphasizes the need for robust input handling in networked devices. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of exposure to known vulnerabilities.