CVE-2025-23116

Vulnerability Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-23116 - UniFi Protect Authentication Bypass

Vulnerability Description:

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-23116, an Authentication Bypass vulnerability identified in the UniFi Protect Application. The vulnerability affects deployments using the Auto-Adopt Bridge Devices feature. A malicious actor with network access adjacent to UniFi Protect Cameras can potentially gain unauthorized control of these cameras.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.6 (Critical)
  • Severity Level: Critical
  • This high score reflects the potential for complete compromise of UniFi Protect Cameras, allowing unauthorized access to video feeds, configuration changes, and potential use for further network compromise.

Known Exploit:

While the provided information doesn’t explicitly detail the exact exploit method, the vulnerability’s description implies the following possible exploit scenario:

  1. Network Proximity: The attacker must be on the same network segment or have network connectivity to the UniFi Protect Cameras.
  2. Auto-Adopt Abuse: The attacker leverages a flaw in the Auto-Adopt Bridge Devices mechanism. This likely involves intercepting or manipulating the auto-adoption process to bypass normal authentication procedures.
  3. Camera Compromise: Successful exploitation results in the attacker gaining administrative control over the affected UniFi Protect Cameras.

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

The following steps should be taken to address and mitigate the CVE-2025-23116 vulnerability:

1. Patching (Primary Remediation):

  • Immediate Action: Upgrade the UniFi Protect Application and UniFi Protect Camera firmware to the latest available versions. Ubiquiti Networks should release a patch addressing this vulnerability. Apply the patch as soon as it is available.
  • Patch Management: Establish a robust patch management process to ensure timely application of security updates for all UniFi devices and other network infrastructure components.

2. Network Segmentation (Mitigation):

  • Isolate Camera Network: Segment the network hosting UniFi Protect Cameras from the main network. This can be achieved using VLANs (Virtual LANs) or separate physical network infrastructure.
  • Firewall Rules: Implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the camera network. Only authorized devices and services should be permitted to communicate with the cameras.
  • Limit Access: Minimize the number of devices that need access to the camera network.

3. Disable Auto-Adopt Bridge Devices (Mitigation):

  • Temporary Measure: If a patch is not immediately available, consider temporarily disabling the Auto-Adopt Bridge Devices feature within the UniFi Protect Application settings.
  • Manual Adoption: Opt for manually adopting new cameras instead of relying on the automatic bridge mechanism. This adds a layer of security by requiring manual verification.

4. Access Control (Mitigation):

  • Strong Passwords: Enforce strong password policies for all UniFi Protect user accounts.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA where possible to provide an additional layer of security beyond passwords.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks. Avoid granting administrator privileges unnecessarily.

5. Monitoring and Logging (Detection):

  • Enable Logging: Enable comprehensive logging for the UniFi Protect Application and network devices.
  • Monitor Network Traffic: Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts to the camera network or unusual communication patterns.
  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (IDS/IPS): Implement an IDS/IPS to detect and block potential exploit attempts. Configure the IDS/IPS to specifically monitor for patterns associated with CVE-2025-23116.

6. Vulnerability Scanning (Proactive Measure):

  • Regular Scans: Conduct regular vulnerability scans of the UniFi Protect infrastructure to identify and address any other potential security weaknesses.

7. Incident Response Plan:

  • Update Plan: Review and update the incident response plan to include procedures for handling a potential compromise of UniFi Protect Cameras due to CVE-2025-23116. The plan should outline steps for containment, eradication, and recovery.

Timeline:

  • Immediate (within 24 hours): Apply available patches, implement network segmentation, and review access controls.
  • Short-Term (within 1 week): Disable Auto-Adopt Bridge Devices if patching is not possible, implement MFA, and configure IDS/IPS.
  • Ongoing: Continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and patch management.

Communication:

  • Communicate the vulnerability and mitigation steps to all relevant stakeholders, including IT staff, security personnel, and users of the UniFi Protect system.

Responsibility:

  • The IT Security team is responsible for implementing and maintaining the security controls outlined in this document.

Review and Update:

  • This remediation/mitigation strategy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the threat landscape and the availability of new security information.

Assigner

Date

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

More Details

CVE-2025-23116