CVE-2018-3937
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on Sony IPELA E Series Network Camera G5 devices by sending a specially crafted HTTP GET request. Attackers can gain full control of affected cameras, potentially compromising video feeds and using devices as network footholds. Only devices running firmware version 1.87.00 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Sony IPELA E Series Network Camera G5
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device takeover leading to persistent backdoor installation, video feed interception, lateral movement to internal networks, and use in botnets or DDoS attacks.
Likely Case
Camera compromise allowing video surveillance disruption, credential theft, and device repurposing for malicious activities.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only HTTP GET requests with crafted parameters, making it trivial for attackers with network access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware newer than 1.87.00
Vendor Advisory: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/security/3085
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from Sony support site. 2. Access camera web interface. 3. Navigate to Maintenance > Firmware Update. 4. Upload firmware file. 5. Apply update and restart camera.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate cameras on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules blocking unnecessary inbound traffic.
Access Control Lists
allImplement IP-based restrictions allowing only authorized management systems to access camera interfaces.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately remove internet-facing exposure by placing cameras behind VPN or restricting access to internal networks only.
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests to camera endpoints and command execution patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface at System > Information or via SNMP query for firmware version.Check Version:
curl -s http://<camera_ip>/cgi-bin/query.cgi?systeminfo | grep FirmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is newer than 1.87.00 and test that crafted GET requests to measurementBitrateExec endpoint no longer execute commands.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests to /cgi-bin/measurementBitrateExec with unusual parameters
- System logs showing unexpected command execution
Network Indicators:
- HTTP traffic to camera port 80/443 with command injection patterns in GET parameters
- Outbound connections from cameras to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="camera_logs" AND (uri="/cgi-bin/measurementBitrateExec" AND (param="*;*" OR param="*|*" OR param="*`*"))