CVE-2018-20299
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Bosch Smart Home cameras via a buffer overflow in the RCP+ parser. Attackers can exploit this over the network without authentication, potentially taking full control of the device. Users of Bosch 360 degree indoor cameras and Eyes outdoor cameras with firmware before 6.52.4 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Bosch 360 degree indoor camera
- Bosch Eyes outdoor camera
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent malware, access camera feeds, pivot to internal networks, or use devices in botnets.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to unauthorized access to camera feeds, device manipulation, or participation in DDoS attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated from internet and placed behind firewalls with strict network controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Buffer overflow vulnerabilities in network services are commonly weaponized. The advisory indicates exploitation is possible without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.52.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://psirt.bosch.com/Advisory/BOSCH-2018-1203.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into Bosch Smart Home app or web interface. 2. Navigate to device settings. 3. Check for firmware updates. 4. Apply firmware update to version 6.52.4 or later. 5. Reboot camera after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
allPlace cameras on isolated VLAN or network segment with no internet access
Firewall Restrictions
allBlock all inbound traffic to camera web interface ports from untrusted networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disconnect cameras from network entirely if not essential
- Implement strict network segmentation and monitor for suspicious traffic to camera IPs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in Bosch Smart Home app under device settings. If version is below 6.52.4, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
No CLI command available. Check via Bosch Smart Home mobile app or web interface.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version shows 6.52.4 or higher in device settings after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic patterns to camera web interface
- Multiple failed connection attempts followed by successful exploit
Network Indicators:
- Unusual RCP+ protocol traffic patterns
- Traffic to camera web interface from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source_ip IN (camera_ips) AND (protocol='http' OR protocol='https') AND (bytes_sent > threshold OR connection_count > normal)