Overview
This article details a critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-4468, affecting PLANEX CS-QP50F-ING2 smart cameras. The vulnerability allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to retrieve a compressed configuration backup file from the device due to the lack of authentication on the configuration backup interface accessible over HTTP. This backup file contains sensitive information, including administrative credentials, potentially leading to full device compromise and unauthorized access to the monitored environment.
Technical Details
The PLANEX CS-QP50F-ING2 smart camera exposes a configuration backup interface over HTTP. Critically, this interface does not enforce any authentication mechanisms. An attacker can simply craft a request to the appropriate URL to download a compressed backup of the camera’s configuration. This backup file contains sensitive data, including:
- Administrative usernames and passwords (likely in plaintext or easily reversible format)
- Network configuration details
- Wi-Fi credentials
- Other sensitive settings related to the camera’s operation
The lack of authentication for accessing the configuration backup represents a significant security oversight, allowing anyone with network access to the device to potentially compromise it.
CVSS Analysis
Unfortunately, the CVSS score is currently listed as N/A. However, based on the description of the vulnerability, a manual CVSS evaluation would likely result in a critical score. The vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) via credential theft, which carries a very high impact.
Possible Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2021-4468 can have severe consequences:
- Full Device Compromise: An attacker can obtain administrative access to the camera, allowing them to control all its functions, including video and audio streams.
- Privacy Violation: Unauthorized access to the camera feed allows the attacker to monitor the environment, violating the privacy of individuals being recorded.
- Network Pivot Point: A compromised camera can be used as a pivot point to gain access to other devices on the same network.
- Denial of Service (DoS): An attacker could potentially disable the camera, disrupting its intended functionality.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
Unfortunately, information regarding an official patch from PLANEX is limited. However, the following steps can be taken to mitigate the risk:
- Isolate the Camera: Place the camera on a separate, isolated network segment to limit the potential impact of a compromise.
- Network Access Control Lists (ACLs): Implement network ACLs to restrict access to the camera’s management interface from unauthorized IP addresses. Only allow access from necessary devices.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Monitor network traffic to and from the camera for suspicious activity.
- Disable HTTP (if possible): If the camera supports HTTPS, disable HTTP entirely and enforce the use of HTTPS for all communication.
- Contact PLANEX Support: Contact PLANEX support (https://www.planex.co.jp/support/) and inquire about a potential firmware update or official patch.
Important: Since an official patch is not readily available, aggressive mitigation techniques are highly recommended.
