CVE-2023-28808 Overview
CVE-2023-28808 is a critical access control vulnerability affecting multiple Hikvision Hybrid SAN and Cluster Storage products. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and obtain administrative privileges on affected devices by sending specially crafted messages. This flaw falls under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and poses a significant risk to organizations using these storage solutions for video surveillance and data management infrastructure.
Critical Impact
Remote unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over affected Hikvision storage devices, potentially compromising sensitive surveillance data and enabling lateral movement within the network.
Affected Products
- Hikvision DS-A71024 (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A71048 (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A71072R (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A80624S (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A81016S (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A72024 (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A72072R (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A80316S (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A82024D (Firmware)
- Hikvision DS-A71048R-CVS (Firmware)
Discovery Timeline
- April 11, 2023 - CVE-2023-28808 published to NVD
- November 21, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-28808
Vulnerability Analysis
This access control vulnerability exists in the message handling mechanism of Hikvision Hybrid SAN and Cluster Storage products. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization controls through the network interface. Once exploited, attackers can elevate their privileges to administrator level, granting complete control over the storage device.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning given the role these devices play in surveillance infrastructure. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access, modify, or delete stored video footage, alter system configurations, disable recording capabilities, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2023-28808 is improper access control (CWE-284) in the device's message processing functionality. The affected firmware fails to properly validate and authenticate incoming messages before processing privileged operations, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass authentication requirements entirely. This design flaw permits unauthorized users to invoke administrative functions without proper credential verification.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker with network access to the vulnerable device can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted messages to the device's management interface. The attack methodology involves:
- Identifying a vulnerable Hikvision Hybrid SAN/Cluster Storage device on the network
- Crafting malicious messages that exploit the access control bypass
- Sending the crafted messages to the target device's management interface
- Gaining administrative access to the device without valid credentials
Once administrative access is obtained, the attacker has full control over the storage system, including the ability to access stored data, modify configurations, create backdoor accounts, or disable security features.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-28808
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected administrative account creation or modification on Hikvision storage devices
- Unusual network traffic patterns to Hikvision storage management interfaces from unauthorized sources
- Configuration changes to storage devices without corresponding authorized change requests
- Anomalous access to stored video footage or data outside normal operational patterns
Detection Strategies
- Implement network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic to Hikvision storage device management ports
- Enable and review audit logs on storage devices for unauthorized administrative actions
- Deploy intrusion detection signatures to identify crafted message patterns associated with this vulnerability
- Monitor for unexpected outbound connections from storage devices that may indicate compromise
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure alerts for any administrative login attempts from non-whitelisted IP addresses
- Implement continuous vulnerability scanning to identify unpatched Hikvision devices in the environment
- Monitor network segmentation controls to ensure storage devices are not exposed to untrusted networks
- Review access logs regularly for signs of privilege escalation or unauthorized configuration changes
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-28808
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security patch from Hikvision immediately to all affected devices
- Isolate vulnerable devices by placing them on a segmented network with restricted access
- Block external network access to Hikvision storage device management interfaces
- Review device logs for any signs of prior exploitation or unauthorized access
Patch Information
Hikvision has released security patches to address this vulnerability. Administrators should download and apply the latest firmware updates from the Hikvision Security Advisory page. Verify firmware versions after patching to confirm the update was applied successfully.
Workarounds
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to storage device management interfaces from trusted networks only
- Deploy a firewall or access control list to limit which IP addresses can communicate with vulnerable devices
- Disable remote management access where possible and use local console access for administration
- Implement strong network-level authentication (such as VPN) for any remote administrative access requirements
# Example firewall rule to restrict access to Hikvision storage management (adjust interface and IP as needed)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
