CVE-2018-25310: VideoFlow DVP RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2018-25310 Overview

CVE-2018-25310 is an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability affecting VideoFlow Digital Video Protection DVP 2.10. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands by exploiting a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) flaw in the web management interface. Attackers with valid credentials can leverage the CSRF vulnerability to inject and execute system commands through the Tools > System > Shell interface, gaining root-level access to the device.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the affected VideoFlow DVP device, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for further network attacks.

Affected Products

• VideoFlow Digital Video Protection DVP 2.10

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-29 - CVE CVE-2018-25310 published to NVD
• 2026-04-30 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2018-25310

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability combines two attack vectors: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Command Injection. The VideoFlow DVP web management interface fails to implement proper CSRF protections, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that execute commands when an authenticated administrator visits a specially crafted page. The command injection occurs through the Shell interface accessible via Tools > System > Shell, where user-supplied input is passed directly to the underlying operating system without adequate sanitization.

The attack requires valid authentication credentials, but the CSRF component means an attacker can trick an already-authenticated administrator into executing malicious commands by visiting a malicious webpage or clicking a crafted link. Once exploited, the attacker gains root-level command execution on the target device.

Root Cause

The root cause is twofold: the web management interface lacks CSRF tokens or other anti-forgery protections on sensitive state-changing operations, and the Shell interface does not properly sanitize user input before passing it to system command execution functions. This combination (CWE-352: Cross-Site Request Forgery) allows authenticated sessions to be abused for unauthorized command execution.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires the attacker to have valid credentials or to leverage CSRF against an authenticated administrator session. The attacker can craft a malicious HTML page containing a form or JavaScript that automatically submits a request to the DVP web interface. When an authenticated administrator visits this page, the malicious request is sent using their session credentials, executing arbitrary system commands through the Shell interface.

The exploitation flow involves crafting a CSRF payload that targets the shell command execution endpoint in the DVP web interface. When an authenticated user triggers this payload, the injected command is executed with root privileges on the underlying system.

Detection Methods for CVE-2018-25310

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected HTTP POST requests to the VideoFlow DVP Shell interface from external or untrusted sources
• Unusual command execution patterns in system logs originating from the web management interface
• New or unauthorized user accounts, cron jobs, or persistent backdoors on the DVP device
• Network traffic anomalies indicating command and control communication from the DVP device

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP access logs for suspicious requests to /cgi-bin/ or shell execution endpoints on VideoFlow DVP devices
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify CSRF attack patterns targeting the DVP interface
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify unauthorized command execution on embedded devices
• Review system logs for unexpected shell command invocations through the web interface

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on VideoFlow DVP devices and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Monitor for unusual administrative actions or shell command execution outside normal business hours
• Implement network segmentation to isolate video protection devices from untrusted networks
• Set up alerts for multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful logins

How to Mitigate CVE-2018-25310

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the VideoFlow DVP web management interface using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Implement strong authentication and consider adding a VPN requirement for administrative access
• Educate administrators about CSRF attacks and the risks of browsing untrusted websites while authenticated to device management interfaces
• Review device logs for signs of previous exploitation

Patch Information

No vendor patch information is currently available for this vulnerability. Organizations should contact VideoFlow directly to inquire about firmware updates or security patches. For additional technical details, refer to the Exploit-DB #44387, VulnCheck Advisory, and ZeroScience Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Place VideoFlow DVP devices on isolated network segments with strict access controls
• Implement a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the management interface to filter malicious requests
• Use browser isolation or dedicated administrative workstations for managing DVP devices
• Disable the web management interface if not required and manage devices through alternative methods if available

# Network isolation example using iptables
# Restrict access to DVP management interface (port 80/443) to trusted admin IPs only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.100 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.100 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP