CVE-2016-8731
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2016-8731 is a critical vulnerability in Foscam C1 IP cameras where hard-coded FTP credentials (username: r, password: r) allow remote attackers to access the camera's file system. This affects all Foscam C1 cameras running firmware version 1.9.1.12 that are exposed to the internet without port blocking.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foscam C1 Indoor HD IP Camera
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of camera system allowing unauthorized access to video feeds, configuration modification, installation of malware, and potential lateral movement to other network devices.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to camera footage, configuration tampering, and potential use of camera as pivot point for further network attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited to no impact if cameras are behind firewalls with proper network segmentation and port blocking.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only knowledge of the hard-coded credentials and network access to port 50021. No special tools or skills needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware versions after 1.9.1.12
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foscam.com/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into camera web interface. 2. Navigate to Settings > System > Upgrade. 3. Download latest firmware from Foscam website. 4. Upload and install firmware. 5. Reboot camera.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block FTP Port
linuxBlock port 50021 at network perimeter to prevent remote exploitation
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 50021 -j DROP
Disable FTP Service
allDisable FTP service on camera if not needed
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate cameras on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network monitoring for FTP traffic to port 50021
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt FTP connection to camera IP on port 50021 using credentials r:r. If connection succeeds, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check camera web interface under Settings > System > Device InfoVerify Fix Applied:
Attempt FTP connection with r:r credentials after update - should fail. Verify firmware version is newer than 1.9.1.12.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- FTP authentication attempts with username 'r'
- Successful FTP logins from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- FTP traffic to port 50021 from external IPs
- Multiple FTP connection attempts to camera IPs
SIEM Query:
source_port=50021 AND (username="r" OR auth_failure)