CVE-2020-9529
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in firmware developed by Shenzhen Hichip Vision Technology (versions V6 through V20) used by numerous IoT device vendors. Attackers on the local network can reset the device's administrator password, gaining full control over affected cameras and security devices. Millions of devices across dozens of brands are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Accfly
- Alptop
- Anlink
- Besdersec
- BOAVISION
- COOAU
- CPVAN
- Ctronics
- D3D Security
- Dericam
- Elex System
- Elite Security
- ENSTER
- ePGes
- Escam
- FLOUREON
- GENBOLT
- Hongjingtian (HJT)
- ICAMI
- Iegeek
- Jecurity
- Jennov
- KKMoon
- LEFTEK
- Loosafe
- Luowice
- Nesuniq
- Nettoly
- ProElite
- QZT
- Royallite
- SDETER
- SV3C
- SY2L
- Tenvis
- ThinkValue
- TOMLOV
- TPTEK
- WGCC
- ZILINK
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of IoT security devices allowing attackers to disable surveillance, access video feeds, pivot to internal networks, or use devices as botnet nodes.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to camera feeds and device control, potential privacy violations, and device hijacking for malicious purposes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are properly segmented and network access controls prevent local network attacks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only local network access. Attack tools and scripts are publicly available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: No official vendor advisory available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check with individual device vendors for firmware updates, though many may not provide patches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected IoT devices on separate VLANs with strict firewall rules preventing access from untrusted networks.
Disable Unnecessary Services
allDisable UPnP, Telnet, and other unnecessary network services on affected devices if possible.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Physically disconnect vulnerable devices from networks or replace with secure alternatives
- Implement strict network access controls allowing only necessary traffic to/from devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version via web interface or telnet. If firmware is V6-V20 and uses Hichip technology, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via device web interface or telnet to device on port 23 (if enabled)Verify Fix Applied:
No official fix available to verify. If vendor provides update, verify firmware version is above V20.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected password reset events
- Failed login attempts followed by successful access
- Unusual administrative activity
Network Indicators:
- Telnet connections to device ports
- HTTP POST requests to password reset endpoints
- Unusual outbound traffic from IoT devices
SIEM Query:
source="iot_device" AND (event="password_reset" OR event="admin_login")