CVE-2023-0352 in E11
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2023
The Akuvox E11 password recovery webpage can be accessed without authentication, and an attacker could download the device key file. An attacker could then use this page to reset the password back to the default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The Akuvox E11 is a network video recorder device commonly used in security surveillance systems that contains a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in its password recovery mechanism. This vulnerability stems from improper access controls on the password recovery webpage which fails to enforce proper authentication checks before allowing access to sensitive administrative functions. The flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to directly access the recovery interface and download the device key file, which serves as a critical component in the device's security architecture. This weakness represents a fundamental failure in the device's security model and aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct access to the password recovery webpage without requiring any valid credentials or session tokens. Once an attacker gains access to the recovery interface, they can download the device key file which contains cryptographic materials necessary for authentication and system access. This downloaded key file enables the attacker to reset the device password back to its default configuration, effectively compromising the entire security posture of the surveillance system. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows complete administrative control over the device without any prior knowledge of existing credentials.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple credential compromise to encompass complete system takeover and potential data exfiltration. Security surveillance systems are often deployed in sensitive environments where unauthorized access could lead to privacy violations, system disruption, or even physical security breaches. The default password reset capability combined with the ability to download device keys creates a scenario where attackers can establish persistent access to surveillance footage and system configurations. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of security systems, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or disable surveillance capabilities while maintaining covert access.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate security devices from general network access and restrict access to the password recovery interface through firewall rules and access control lists. The recommended mitigation strategy includes disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly updating device firmware to address known vulnerabilities. Security professionals should also conduct thorough network scans to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation as outlined in the mitre attack framework's credential access tactics and the defense against credential theft through proper authentication controls.