CVE-2020-27555
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands as root on BASETech IP cameras due to default telnet credentials. Attackers can gain complete control of affected devices, potentially compromising camera feeds and using devices as network footholds. Only BASETech GE-131 BT-1837836 cameras with specific firmware are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- BASETech GE-131 BT-1837836 IP Camera
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device takeover allowing attackers to disable cameras, exfiltrate video feeds, pivot to internal networks, or join botnets for DDoS attacks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to camera feeds, device configuration changes, and potential use as network entry points for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited to isolated network segments with proper access controls, preventing external exploitation and lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only telnet access and knowledge of default credentials. No special tools or skills needed beyond basic command-line usage.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: No vendor advisory found
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check vendor website for firmware updates, but none were documented at time of disclosure.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Change Telnet Credentials
linuxChange default telnet credentials to strong, unique passwords
telnet [device_ip]
login with default credentials
passwd (to change root password)
Disable Telnet Service
linuxCompletely disable telnet service if not required
telnet [device_ip]
login
killall telnetd or remove from startup
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Network segmentation: Isolate cameras on separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Access control: Block telnet port (23) at network perimeter and restrict to management networks only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt telnet connection to device port 23 using default credentials (check disclosure for specific defaults)Check Version:
Check device web interface or telnet in for firmware version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify telnet connection fails with old credentials or service is not listening on port 23📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed/successful telnet authentication attempts
- Unusual root user activity
- New processes spawned from telnet sessions
Network Indicators:
- Telnet connections from unexpected sources
- Outbound connections from camera to suspicious IPs
- Unusual traffic patterns from camera
SIEM Query:
source_ip=[camera_ip] AND (port=23 OR protocol=telnet) AND (event_type=authentication_success OR event_type=connection_established)