Network-connected projectors developed by InFocus are affected by vulnerabilities that allow a remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to the device’s web interface and configuration files.
The flaws, identified by Core Security researchers, were reported to InFocus earlier this month, but the vendor doesn’t seem to be willing to address them. The issues have been tested on InFocus IN3128HD classroom projectors running version 0.26 of the firmware, but experts believe other models and firmware might be affected as well.
One of the vulnerabilities identified by Core Security is an authentication bypass bug (CVE-2014-8383). The projector’s web interface, which allows users to make configuration changes to the device, is protected by a password. However, experts discovered that the authentication mechanisms only checks if the password is correct and it doesn’t generate session cookies when users log in. This allows an attacker to bypass the login page and access the web interface directly by navigating to the “main.html” page.
“This allows an unauthenticated user to access the device as an administrator and to see private information such as network configuration (network mask, DNS server, gateway, etc), WiFi configuration (including password), and the ability to modify any of these parameters,” Core Security noted in its advisory.
Another vulnerability uncovered by researchers is related to the lack of authentication when accessing the “webctrl.cgi.elf” configuration file (CVE-2014-8384). This file is stored in the “cgi-bin” folder and it can be accessed by unauthenticated users. By accessing this file, an attacker can perform configuration changes on the device, including modify parameters related to the DHCP server, change IP configuration, remotely reboot the device, and change the projector’s hostname.
Core Security noted in its advisory that it has had some difficulties getting in touch with InFocus. Initially, InFocus asked to see a draft version of Core’s advisory. However, the projection equipment company later stated that it no longer had any desire to see the advisory and told the security firm to disclose the bugs if it felt it was necessary.
In a statement, InFocus downplayed the risks.
“After investigating the issue, we concluded that it does not put customers’ content at risk,” Dave Duncan, Product Manager at InFocus, told SecurityWeek in an emailed statement. “A would-be attacker would have access only to the projector’s on-board settings and power on/off functionality. InFocus strives to protect the security and privacy of our customers and will ensure extra security changes are made to future products.”
Core Security advises InFocus IN3128HD users to avoid connecting the projector to a remotely accessible network to prevent unauthorized access.
*Updated with statement from InFocus