A recent report by Akami experts highlights a troubling trend: the exploitation of a five-year-old zero-day vulnerability in end-of-life IP cameras by the Corona Mirai-based malware botnet. This blog delves into the details of this issue, its implications, and the broader lessons it offers for cybersecurity.

The Vulnerability in AVTECH IP Cameras

The specific target of this malware campaign is AVTECH IP cameras, which have been out of support since 2019. These cameras are no longer receiving security patches, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. The vulnerability in question is a remote code execution (RCE) zero-day, which allows attackers to inject malicious commands into the camera’s firmware via the network. This particular exploit leverages the ‘brightness’ function in the camera’s firmware, a seemingly harmless feature that has become a gateway for malicious activity.

The Corona Mirai-Based Malware Botnet

The Corona Mirai-based malware botnet is a variant of the infamous Mirai botnet, which has been responsible for some of the most significant distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks in recent history. By exploiting the RCE vulnerability in AVTECH IP cameras, the malware can gain control over these devices, adding them to its botnet. Once compromised, these cameras can be used to launch DDoS attacks, overwhelm networks, and disrupt services.

The Implications of Exploiting End-of-Life Devices

The exploitation of end-of-life devices like AVTECH IP cameras underscores a critical issue in cybersecurity: the risks associated with using outdated and unsupported technology. When manufacturers cease support for a device, it no longer receives security updates, leaving it vulnerable to new threats. In the case of AVTECH IP cameras, the lack of patches for the RCE vulnerability has made them easy targets for cybercriminals.

This situation highlights the importance of regular updates and patches in maintaining the security of devices. It also raises questions about the responsibility of manufacturers to provide long-term support for their products and the need for users to replace outdated technology with more secure alternatives.

Experts Suggest These Steps

• Ensuring that all devices receive regular updates and patches is crucial in protecting against new vulnerabilities. Users should prioritize devices that are actively supported by manufacturers.
• Manufacturers should clearly communicate end-of-life policies and provide guidance on replacing outdated devices. Users should be aware of these policies and plan for timely replacements.
• Implementing network segmentation can help contain the impact of compromised devices. By isolating vulnerable devices from critical systems, organizations can reduce the risk of widespread damage.