CVE-2023-28808: Hikvision DS-A71024 Auth Bypass Flaw

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

bash

# 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