CVE-2017-7921
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication on affected Hikvision IP cameras and surveillance devices, potentially gaining unauthorized access to video feeds and device controls. It affects multiple Hikvision camera series with specific firmware versions, primarily those used in security and surveillance systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hikvision DS-2CD2xx2F-I Series
- DS-2CD2xx0F-I Series
- DS-2CD2xx2FWD Series
- DS-2CD4x2xFWD Series
- DS-2CD4xx5 Series
- DS-2DFx Series
- DS-2CD63xx Series
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of surveillance systems allowing unauthorized access to live video feeds, device reconfiguration, firmware modification, and potential use as network foothold for further attacks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to video streams and camera controls, potentially exposing sensitive surveillance footage and allowing camera manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls, though authentication bypass remains possible within the segmented network.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to device web interface; tools and scripts are publicly available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware versions after the affected ranges (check specific product for exact fixed version)
Vendor Advisory: http://www.hikvision.com/us/about_10805.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify exact camera model and current firmware version. 2. Download appropriate firmware update from Hikvision support portal. 3. Upload firmware via web interface or Hikvision tools. 4. Reboot camera after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate cameras on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules preventing external access
Access Control Lists
allImplement IP-based restrictions to limit which systems can access camera web interfaces
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment cameras on isolated network with no internet access
- Implement strict firewall rules allowing only authorized management systems to access camera interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface at http://[camera-ip]/System/deviceInfo or using Hikvision tools; compare against affected version ranges.Check Version:
curl -s http://[camera-ip]/System/deviceInfo | grep -i firmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is outside affected ranges and test authentication requirements for web interface access.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthenticated access attempts to web interface
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful access
- Access from unexpected IP addresses
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to camera web interface without authentication headers
- Unusual traffic patterns to camera management ports
SIEM Query:
source="camera-logs" AND (event="authentication_bypass" OR (status=200 AND auth="none"))🔗 References
- http://www.hikvision.com/us/about_10805.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98313
- https://ghostbin.com/paste/q2vq2
- https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-124-01
- http://www.hikvision.com/us/about_10805.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/98313
- https://ghostbin.com/paste/q2vq2
- https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-124-01
- https://www.hikvision.com/cn/support/CybersecurityCenter/SecurityNotices/20170314/
- https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/cybersecurity/security-advisory/security-notification--privilege-escalating-vulnerability-in-cer/
- https://www.hikvision.com/us-en/support/document-center/special-notices/privilege-escalating-vulnerability-in-certain-hikvision-ip-cameras/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2017-7921
