CVE-2023-28812
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in Hikvision web browser plug-in allows attackers to send crafted messages to computers with this plug-in installed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or process crashes. This affects users who have installed Hikvision's web browser plug-in for accessing video surveillance systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hikvision Web Browser Plug-in
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with SYSTEM/root privileges, allowing complete system compromise and lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Plug-in crash causing denial of service for video surveillance access, potentially with limited code execution in plug-in context.
If Mitigated
Plug-in crash only, with no system compromise due to sandboxing or other security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Buffer overflow vulnerabilities in browser plug-ins are often easily exploitable. The advisory suggests crafted messages can trigger the vulnerability, indicating relatively simple exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in advisory, but Hikvision has released updated plug-in versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/cybersecurity/security-advisory/security-vulnerabilities-in-hikvision-web-browser-plug-in-locals/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit the Hikvision security advisory page. 2. Download the latest version of the web browser plug-in. 3. Uninstall the current plug-in. 4. Install the updated version. 5. Restart the browser and computer.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Hikvision Browser Plug-in
allTemporarily disable the plug-in in browser settings to prevent exploitation
Browser-specific: In Chrome: chrome://extensions/ → Disable Hikvision plug-in
In Firefox: about:addons → Disable Hikvision plug-in
Use Alternative Access Methods
allAccess Hikvision systems via mobile apps or dedicated clients instead of web browser
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Network segmentation: Isolate systems with the plug-in from untrusted networks
- Application control: Block execution of the plug-in via endpoint security tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check browser extensions/add-ons list for Hikvision plug-in. If present and not updated to latest version, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Browser-specific: Check extensions/add-ons management page for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plug-in version matches latest version from Hikvision advisory and test video surveillance access functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Browser crash logs mentioning Hikvision plug-in
- Unexpected process creation from browser plug-in context
- Memory access violation errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP requests to Hikvision systems with crafted parameters
- Traffic patterns suggesting buffer overflow attempts
SIEM Query:
source="browser_logs" AND "Hikvision" AND ("crash" OR "access violation" OR "buffer")