CVE-2023-28811 in iDS-EXXHUH
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2023
There is a buffer overflow in the password recovery feature of Hikvision NVR/DVR models. If exploited, an attacker on the same local area network (LAN) could cause the device to malfunction by sending specially crafted packets to an unpatched device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28811 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the password recovery functionality of Hikvision network video recorders and digital video recorders. This security weakness specifically affects devices operating on local area networks where attackers can directly communicate with the affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the password recovery module, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate device behavior through crafted network traffic. The vulnerability exists in the processing of password recovery requests, where insufficient bounds checking permits buffer overflows when handling specially constructed packets. This issue particularly impacts Hikvision NVR/DVR models that have not received the necessary security patches, leaving them susceptible to remote exploitation within their local network environment.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses classified under CWE-121, which describes conditions where insufficient bounds checking leads to memory corruption. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can send maliciously formatted packets to the affected device's password recovery service, potentially causing memory corruption that results in system instability, crashes, or arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires network access to the local area network where the device operates, making it a local network-based threat rather than a remote attack. The specific nature of the flaw suggests that the password recovery service does not properly validate the length or content of incoming data, allowing attackers to exceed allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including device crashes, service interruptions, or potentially full system compromise depending on the exploitation method used.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28811 extends beyond simple device malfunction, creating significant security risks for organizations relying on Hikvision surveillance infrastructure. Network administrators face potential unauthorized access to surveillance systems, which could result in data breaches, privacy violations, and compromised security monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability's local network requirement means that organizations must maintain robust network segmentation and access controls to prevent unauthorized users from reaching affected devices. Security incidents resulting from this flaw could lead to extended downtime, forensic investigations, and potential regulatory compliance issues for organizations handling sensitive surveillance data. The exploitation of this vulnerability may also enable attackers to gain persistent access to surveillance networks, potentially allowing for extended monitoring of target environments or use as a foothold for broader network infiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28811 should prioritize immediate implementation of official security patches provided by Hikvision, which address the underlying buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory management. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit direct access to affected devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can communicate with surveillance systems. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify suspicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement network access control lists to restrict communication to necessary services only, reducing the attack surface for local network-based threats. The implementation of secure network configurations including disabling unnecessary services and applying firewall rules to limit communication to only required ports and protocols will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training for network administrators should emphasize the importance of timely patch management and proper network segmentation practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.