An Improper Authentication issue was discovered in Hikvision DS-2CD2xx2F-I Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 build 160530, DS-2CD2xx0F-I Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160401, DS-2CD2xx2FWD Series V5.3.1 build 150410 to V5.4.4 Build 161125, DS-2CD4x2xFWD Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160414, DS-2CD4xx5 Series V5.2.0 build 140721 to V5.4.0 Build 160421, DS-2DFx Series V5.2.0 build 140805 to V5.4.5 Build 160928, and DS-2CD63xx Series V5.0.9 build 140305 to V5.3.5 Build 160106 devices. The improper authentication vulnerability occurs when an application does not adequately or correctly authenticate users. This may allow a malicious user to escalate his or her privileges on the system and gain access to sensitive information.
Hikvision IP cameras are vulnerable to an improper authentication flaw, allowing attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access and control of the devices. This vulnerability could lead to data breaches, surveillance compromise, and network infiltration if exploited. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Hikvision camera models and firmware versions.
Step 1: Reconnaissance: The attacker identifies vulnerable Hikvision camera models and firmware versions within the target network or exposed on the internet.
Step 2: Credential Harvesting: The attacker attempts to obtain valid credentials through various methods, such as brute-force attacks against the camera's web interface, credential stuffing using leaked password databases, or exploiting default credentials (e.g., 'admin'/'12345').
Step 3: Authentication Bypass: If successful, the attacker bypasses the authentication mechanism, gaining unauthorized access to the camera's management interface.
Step 4: Privilege Escalation (Potential): Depending on the implementation, the attacker may be able to escalate their privileges to gain full control over the camera, including access to video feeds, configuration settings, and network access.
Step 5: Lateral Movement (Potential): With control of the camera, the attacker can use it as a foothold to pivot into the internal network, potentially compromising other devices and systems.
The root cause of CVE-2017-7921 is an improper authentication implementation within the Hikvision camera firmware. The vulnerability stems from a failure to adequately validate user credentials, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms. This could be due to weak password policies, default credentials, or flaws in the authentication protocols themselves. The specific function or logic flaw is likely within the authentication handler, where the system fails to properly verify the user's identity before granting access to sensitive resources. This could involve a lack of input validation, allowing for credential stuffing or brute-force attacks. The lack of proper access control mechanisms further exacerbates the issue, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges once they gain access.