CVE-2025-23115

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-23115 - UniFi Protect Camera Use-After-Free RCE

This document outlines a remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-23115, a Use-After-Free vulnerability affecting UniFi Protect Cameras.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-23115
  • Vulnerability Type: Use-After-Free (UAF)
  • Affected Product: UniFi Protect Cameras
  • Description: A Use-After-Free vulnerability exists in the UniFi Protect Camera software. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker with access to the UniFi Protect Cameras management network to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected device. A Use-After-Free condition occurs when memory is freed, but a pointer to that memory is still held and subsequently used. This can lead to crashes, unexpected behavior, or, in this case, arbitrary code execution.

2. Severity Assessment:

  • CVSS Score: 9.0 (Critical)

  • CVSS Vector: AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H (Approximate based on provided CVSS scores - requires network access and high impact on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability)

    • AV:A (Attack Vector: Adjacent Network): An attacker must be on the same physical or logical network segment as the vulnerable system.
    • AC:L (Attack Complexity: Low): Specialized access conditions or extenuating circumstances do not exist.
    • PR:N (Privileges Required: None): The attacker does not need any privileges to exploit the vulnerability.
    • UI:N (User Interaction: None): No user interaction is required to exploit the vulnerability.
    • S:C (Scope: Changed): An exploited vulnerability can affect resources beyond the security scope managed by the security authority of the vulnerable component.
    • C:H (Confidentiality: High): There is total information disclosure, resulting in all resources within the compromised system being divulged to the attacker.
    • I:H (Integrity: High): There is a total compromise of system integrity. There is a complete loss of system protection, resulting in the entire system being vulnerable.
    • A:H (Availability: High): There is a total loss of availability or integrity to system resources.

  • Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to:

    • Gain complete control of the UniFi Protect Camera.
    • Access and potentially exfiltrate video and audio feeds.
    • Use the compromised camera as a pivot point to attack other devices on the network.
    • Cause denial of service (DoS) conditions by crashing the camera.

3. Known Exploits:

  • While the provided information doesn’t detail specific exploit code, the fact that the vulnerability exists and has a high CVSS score indicates that exploit development is likely. Expect publicly available exploits to emerge if they haven’t already. Act quickly.

4. Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

The primary goal is to eliminate the Use-After-Free vulnerability and prevent its exploitation.

  • Immediate Action (Within 24-48 hours):

    • Identify Affected Devices: Inventory all UniFi Protect Cameras within the network and determine their firmware versions. This will enable targeted patching.
    • Network Segmentation: If feasible, isolate the UniFi Protect Camera network segment from the rest of the network. This will limit the potential blast radius of a successful exploit. Consider using a VLAN with restricted routing.
    • Access Control Lists (ACLs): Implement strict ACLs on the UniFi Protect Camera network segment to only allow necessary traffic (e.g., from the UniFi Protect Controller, authorized viewing stations). Block all unnecessary inbound and outbound traffic.
    • Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect suspicious activity originating from or targeting UniFi Protect Cameras. Look for unusual network patterns or attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities.

  • Short-Term (Within 1 week):

    • Apply Firmware Updates: The most critical step is to immediately apply the latest firmware updates provided by Ubiquiti (UniFi). These updates are likely to address the CVE-2025-23115 vulnerability. Check the Ubiquiti website or UniFi Protect Controller for available updates.
    • Verify Update Success: After applying the firmware updates, verify that the cameras have successfully updated to the latest version.
    • UniFi Protect Controller Security: Ensure the UniFi Protect Controller itself is secured with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and is running the latest version of its software. Compromise of the Controller could amplify the impact of the camera vulnerability.

  • Long-Term (Within 1 month):

    • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing of the UniFi Protect Camera network segment.
    • Vulnerability Management Program: Implement a formal vulnerability management program to identify and address security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
    • Password Management: Enforce strong password policies for all UniFi Protect Camera accounts.
    • Least Privilege Access: Ensure that users only have the minimum level of access required to perform their job functions.
    • Enable Automatic Updates (if available and thoroughly tested): If UniFi provides an option for automatic firmware updates, consider enabling it after carefully testing the updates in a controlled environment. This will help to ensure that security patches are applied promptly.
    • Consider Alternatives: Evaluate alternative security camera systems with a strong security track record. If the current system proves to be consistently vulnerable, switching to a more secure alternative may be necessary.

5. Communication Plan:

  • Internal Communication: Communicate the vulnerability and remediation plan to all relevant stakeholders, including IT staff, security personnel, and management.
  • External Communication: Follow Ubiquiti’s recommended communication channels for security vulnerabilities. Provide updates to users regarding the status of the remediation efforts.

6. Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor the UniFi Protect Camera network segment for any signs of suspicious activity.
  • Incident Response Plan: Ensure that an incident response plan is in place to handle any security incidents related to the UniFi Protect Cameras.
  • Reporting: Regularly report on the status of the remediation efforts and any security incidents.

Important Considerations:

  • Official Ubiquiti Guidance: Always refer to the official Ubiquiti documentation and security advisories for the most up-to-date information on this vulnerability and recommended remediation steps.
  • Testing: Thoroughly test all updates and configuration changes in a non-production environment before deploying them to the production network.
  • Vendor Support: Maintain contact with Ubiquiti support for assistance with any issues encountered during the remediation process.

By implementing this remediation and mitigation strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of CVE-2025-23115 being exploited and protect your UniFi Protect Cameras and network. Remember to prioritize applying the firmware updates and isolating the camera network segment.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-01 01:52:36
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-01 03:15:23

More Details

CVE-2025-23115