CVE-2020-26762
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Edimax IP cameras that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted GET requests. The vulnerability affects Edimax IC-3116W and IC-3140W IP cameras with specific firmware versions. Attackers can exploit this without any authentication to gain complete control of affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Edimax IC-3116W
- Edimax IC-3140W
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise leading to persistent backdoor installation, lateral movement to other network devices, data exfiltration, and use in botnets for DDoS attacks or cryptocurrency mining.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing attackers to disable cameras, manipulate video feeds, steal credentials, or use devices as network pivots for further attacks.
If Mitigated
No impact if devices are patched, isolated from untrusted networks, or protected by network segmentation and strict firewall rules.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires sending a crafted GET request to the vulnerable endpoint. Public exploit code exists, making this easily weaponizable by attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: IC-3116W v3.08
Vendor Advisory: https://www.edimax.com/edimax/download/download/data/edimax/de/download/for_home/home_network_cameras/home_network_cameras_indoor_fixed/ic-3116w
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware v3.08 from Edimax website. 2. Access camera web interface. 3. Navigate to firmware update section. 4. Upload and install new firmware. 5. Camera will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate cameras on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules blocking all inbound traffic except from authorized management systems.
Access Control Lists
allImplement network ACLs to restrict access to camera management interfaces only from trusted IP addresses.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately remove affected cameras from internet-facing positions and place behind VPN or bastion host
- Implement strict network segmentation with firewall rules blocking all unnecessary ports and protocols
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in camera web interface under System Information. If version is IC-3116W v3.06 or IC-3140W v3.07, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
No CLI command available. Must check via web interface at http://[camera-ip]/systeminfo or similar endpoint.Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify firmware version shows IC-3116W v3.08 or later in System Information page.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual GET requests to /cgi-bin/ipcam_cgi or similar endpoints
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful exploitation
- System log entries showing unexpected reboots or service restarts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from cameras
- Traffic to known malicious IPs or domains
- Unexpected port scans originating from camera IPs
SIEM Query:
source="camera_logs" AND (uri="*ipcam_cgi*" OR method="GET" AND uri="*/cgi-bin/*") AND status="200"