CVE-2019-12289
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected VStarcam IP cameras without authentication by exploiting the firmware update mechanism. Attackers can modify system files, steal account information, or take full control of the device. This affects VStarcam 100T (C7824WIP) and 200V (C38S) cameras with specific firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- VStarcam 100T (C7824WIP)
- VStarcam 200V (C38S)
📦 What is this software?
C38s Firmware by Vstracam
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal all stored credentials, pivot to internal networks, or use cameras as botnet nodes.
Likely Case
Attackers gain remote shell access to modify camera settings, disable security features, or exfiltrate stored video footage and credentials.
If Mitigated
If cameras are isolated on separate VLANs with strict firewall rules, impact is limited to camera functionality loss.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted requests to the upgrade_firmware.cgi endpoint. No authentication needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check vendor website for firmware updates. If unavailable, implement workarounds or replace devices.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
allPlace cameras on isolated VLAN with no internet access and strict firewall rules blocking all inbound traffic except from management stations.
Access Control
allBlock external access to camera web interface (typically port 80/443) and disable UPnP to prevent automatic port forwarding.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected cameras with models from vendors providing security updates
- Deploy network-based intrusion prevention systems to detect and block exploit attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface or attempt to access /cgi-bin/upgrade_firmware.cgi without authentication.Check Version:
Check web interface settings or use curl: curl -s http://camera-ip/cgi-bin/hi3510/param.cgi?cmd=getserverinfoVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is outside affected range and test that upgrade_firmware.cgi endpoint requires authentication.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual firmware update attempts
- Multiple failed authentication attempts to upgrade_firmware.cgi
- Unexpected system command execution
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /cgi-bin/upgrade_firmware.cgi from external IPs
- Unusual outbound connections from camera
SIEM Query:
source="camera_logs" AND (uri="/cgi-bin/upgrade_firmware.cgi" OR cmd="firmware")