CVE-2024-41886 is a vulnerability identified in the Hanwha Vision Co., Ltd. XRN-420S Network Video Recorder (NVR) devices, specifically affecting firmware versions 5.01.62 and earlier. The flaw is classified under CWE-755, which pertains to improper handling of exceptional conditions. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malformed data into URL input parameters, triggering a reboot of the NVR device. This behavior indicates a form of remote code execution (RCE) or at least remote command execution capability, as the attacker can manipulate the device's operation remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:H - high privileges required, but the description suggests no authentication needed, so this may be a discrepancy), no user interaction (UI:N), and a high impact on availability (VA:H). The vulnerability arises from the device's failure to properly handle exceptional input conditions, allowing malformed URL parameters to cause unexpected behavior such as forced reboot. While no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the potential for disruption is significant given the critical role of NVRs in surveillance infrastructure. The manufacturer has released patched firmware to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of updating affected devices promptly. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with embedded IoT and security devices that may be exposed to network-based attacks and the need for robust input validation and error handling in such systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-41886 can be substantial, particularly for entities relying on Hanwha Vision XRN-420S NVRs for video surveillance and security monitoring. Successful exploitation can lead to denial of service through forced reboots, disrupting continuous video recording and surveillance operations. This can result in gaps in security monitoring, loss of critical video evidence, and potential exposure to physical security risks. Organizations in sectors such as critical infrastructure, transportation, government facilities, and large enterprises that depend on video surveillance for safety and compliance may face operational disruptions and increased risk of security incidents. Additionally, repeated forced reboots could degrade device hardware over time, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime. Although the vulnerability does not appear to allow full system compromise or data exfiltration, the availability impact alone can have serious consequences for security posture and incident response capabilities.

European organizations using Hanwha Vision XRN-420S devices should immediately verify their firmware version and upgrade to the latest patched firmware provided by the manufacturer to remediate this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate NVR devices from untrusted networks, minimizing exposure to remote attacks. Deploying strict firewall rules to restrict access to the NVR management interfaces only to authorized personnel and trusted IP addresses can reduce attack surface. Monitoring network traffic for unusual URL parameter patterns or repeated reboot events can help detect attempted exploitation. Additionally, organizations should review and harden device configurations, disable any unnecessary services or remote management features, and ensure strong authentication mechanisms where applicable. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on IoT and surveillance infrastructure will help identify similar weaknesses proactively. Finally, maintaining an inventory of all deployed IoT devices and their firmware versions is critical for timely patch management.