CVE-2022-21801 in RLC-410W
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2022
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the netserver recv_command functionality of reolink RLC-410W v3.0.0.136_20121102. A specially-crafted network request can lead to a reboot. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2022
The CVE-2022-21801 vulnerability represents a critical denial of service weakness in the reolink RLC-410W security camera firmware version 3.0.0.136_20121102. This flaw specifically affects the netserver recv_command functionality, which handles incoming network communications and command processing for the device. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the network receive function, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of the security camera. The affected device operates as a networked surveillance system that typically requires continuous availability for security monitoring purposes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on such equipment for physical security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specially crafted network request that exploits a buffer overflow or memory corruption issue within the recv_command function. When the network server processes this malformed packet, it fails to properly validate the incoming data structure, leading to an unexpected system state that ultimately results in device reboot. The attack vector requires only a remote network connection to the device's network interface, making it accessible to attackers regardless of physical proximity. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level and demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where insufficient boundary checking allows malicious input to overwrite critical memory segments or trigger exception handlers that force system restarts. The weakness aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in network services.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on the RLC-410W cameras for security monitoring. The device reboot triggered by the malicious packet would result in temporary loss of surveillance capabilities, potentially leaving critical areas unmonitored during the recovery period. Security operations teams would face increased incident response overhead as they must identify and remediate affected devices, potentially leading to extended periods of reduced security coverage. The vulnerability affects commercial security systems that may be deployed in sensitive locations such as retail environments, industrial facilities, or office buildings where continuous monitoring is essential. Network administrators may also experience disruptions in their monitoring systems as the unexpected reboots could generate false alerts or require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers could potentially target multiple devices simultaneously, amplifying the operational impact across an organization's security infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability including firmware updates from reolink when available, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and network access control lists to restrict access to the camera's network ports. The implementation of intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual reboot patterns or malformed network packets can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary network services on the affected devices and implementing regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in their networked security equipment. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and conducting regular security audits of networked devices, particularly those used in security infrastructure where availability is paramount. The incident underscores the need for robust network security practices including network segmentation, access control, and continuous monitoring to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in security infrastructure devices.