Hacking Tactics: Exploiting Security Cameras
Why Are CCTV and Security Cameras Targeted?
Hackers target CCTV or security cameras due to the valuable assets or entry and exit points they monitor, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking unauthorized access for monitoring or control purposes. The vulnerabilities in CCTV systems, such as default passwords, outdated network configurations, and lack of multi-factor authentication provide opportunities for hackers to exploit these systems and gain remote or local access to surveillance networks (Facilities Management Advisor).
CCTV cameras being hacked can lead to severe consequences such as unauthorized access to sensitive areas, monitoring of activities, and potential control over the surveillance systems. This breach in security can compromise the safety of individuals, privacy violations, theft of valuable assets, and even potential sabotage of operations. Furthermore, it can also result in a loss of trust in the surveillance technology and have detrimental effects on the overall security measures of the organization (Facilities Management Advisor, BBC).
How to Hack CCTV and Security Cameras?
CCTV and security cameras are vulnerable to being hacked through various methods, including exploiting security vulnerabilities other in IoT devices, such as smart baby monitors, and digital video recording equipment. These vulnerabilities can allow cyber attackers to remotely access live video feeds, compromise credentials, and gain access to networks, posing a significant security risk to businesses and individuals (ZDNET). Additionally, cybercriminals can use intricate and complex tactics to compromise surveillance networks, enabling them to monitor properties or take control of the camera systems (Facilities Management Advisor). Organizations often underestimate the vulnerabilities present in CCTV camera setups, falsely believing that the technology is fool-proof, leading to inadequate protection of valuable assets and entry points (Facilities Management Advisor).
Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in CCTV and security cameras by utilizing various tactics such as remote hacks, local hacks, and backdoor attacks.
- Remote hacks involve hackers gaining access to the system through the online IP address by obtaining signature information and default passwords that are often not changed by businesses and lack multi-factor authentication (Facilities Management Advisor).
- Local hacks occur when hackers access the network that the cameras are connected to by exploiting default network names and passwords on wireless routers, or by trying to overload the network through denial-of-service attacks (Facilities Management Advisor).
- Backdoor attacks are another method where hackers can compromise surveillance systems by exploiting hidden access points left open by manufacturers or software developers (Facilities Management Advisor).
These tactics highlight the importance of businesses taking proactive measures to secure their CCTV and security camera systems to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.
Additionally, there are some well-known vulnerabilities targeting certain security or CCTV camera devices, which can be exploited by hackers. If such devices are used and implemented in security settings, vulnerabilities specific to those devices can be abused by hackers.
CVE-2022–30563 is a security vulnerability found in Dahua’s Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) standard implementation. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to take full control over IP cameras by sniffing unencrypted ONVIF interactions and replaying credentials towards the camera. This vulnerability allows attackers to compromise network cameras and potentially access live video feeds or even take over the devices completely. This poses a significant security risk, especially for individuals and organizations relying on CCTV cameras for surveillance and security purposes (Hacker News).
The CVE-2018–10661 vulnerability, along with CVE-2018–10662 and CVE-2018–10660, allows an attacker with network access to the camera to remotely execute shell commands with root privileges on affected Axis IP cameras. This vulnerability chain can lead to full control over the camera by an unauthenticated remote attacker accessing the camera login page through the network (CSO Online).
Outside of ONVIF and the Axis IP cameras, there are other security and CCTV cameras which have known, unpatched, and abusable vulnerabilities. IoT security cameras using the ThroughTek Kalay network and widely-used Hikvision security cameras have been identified as having vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to remotely watch live video feeds and gain access to networks (ZDNET, Forbes). These vulnerabilities have serious implications, such as allowing attackers to compromise devices remotely, listen to live feeds, and even use the compromised cameras as a starting point to explore the victim’s network (Forbes). Additionally, businesses’ CCTV camera setups are also at risk of being hacked due to common vulnerabilities that exist within these systems (Facilities Management Advisor).
Mitigating Vulnerabilities in Security Systems
Individuals can mitigate vulnerabilities in their security cameras by prioritizing security measures such as strengthening passwords, managing user access, updating software regularly, avoiding placing cameras in private areas, pointing them towards entryways, setting up security cameras on a separate network, and using a virtual private network (VPN) to restrict access to the network the cameras are on (Facilities Management Advisor, CNET). Doing research into the different IoT or CCTV camera is extremely recommended. Ensure that whichever device is chosen is secure and doesn’t have known vulnerabilities and exploits, like those mentioned above. Additionally, organizations can ensure that their security cameras are not in private rooms, avoid pointing them towards private areas, keep cameras on a separate network, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to restrict network access and monitor all network activity (CNET).
IT teams play a crucial role in mitigating vulnerabilities and exploits in security cameras by ensuring that robust cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access and attacks. They are responsible for regularly updating firmware and software on the CCTV systems to patch any known security flaws, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities that could indicate a breach, implementing strong authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access, and conducting regular security audits and assessments to identify and address any weaknesses in the system. Additionally, IT teams should stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices to effectively protect the organization’s surveillance network from hacking attempts (Facilities Management Advisor, ZDNET).
Hackers target CCTV and security cameras due to the valuable assets they monitor, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking unauthorized access. Vulnerabilities such as default passwords, outdated configurations, and those mentioned above provide opportunities for hackers to exploit these systems. Mitigating these vulnerabilities requires prioritizing security measures such as strengthening passwords, managing user access, and regularly updating software. By addressing these vulnerabilities and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, both individuals and organizations can effectively protect their surveillance networks from hacking attempts.
References
- BBC. The tech flaw that lets hackers control surveillance cameras. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65975446
- CNET. Practical Ways to Prevent Your Home Security Cameras From Being Hacked. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/home/security/practical-ways-to-prevent-your-home-security-cameras-from-being-hacked/
- CSO Online. Researchers disclose 7 flaws in 390 Axis IP cameras, remote attacker could take control. Retrieved from https://www.csoonline.com/article/565670/researchers-disclose-7-flaws-in-390-axis-ip-cameras-remote-attacker-could-take-control.html
- Facilities Management Advisor. How Can CCTV Cameras Be Hacked?. Retrieved from https://facilitiesmanagementadvisor.blr.com/security/how-can-cctv-cameras-be-hacked/
- Forbes. Widely-Used Hikvision Security Cameras Vulnerable To Remote Hijacking. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2021/09/22/widely-used-hikvision-security-cameras-vulnerable-to-remote-hijacking/
- Hacker News. Dahua IP Camera Vulnerability Could Let Attackers Take Full Control Over Devices. Retrieved from https://thehackernews.com/2022/07/dahua-ip-camera-vulnerability-could-let.html
- ZDNET. Critical IoT security camera vulnerability allows attackers to remotely watch live video — and gain access to networks. Retrieved from https://www.zdnet.com/article/critical-iot-security-camera-vulnerability-allows-attackers-to-remotely-watch-live-video-and-gain-access-to-networks/
