How to remediate – Western Digital TV Web Interface Detection

1. Introduction

The Western Digital TV Web Interface Detection indicates that the web administration interface for a Western Digital TV device is accessible on your network. This presents a potential risk as these interfaces often have known vulnerabilities and default credentials, allowing unauthorised access to the device. Affected systems are typically Western Digital Smart TVs and media players running their proprietary operating system. A successful attack could lead to remote code execution or data compromise, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the TV device itself.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because the web interface is exposed, allowing attackers to attempt logins with default credentials or exploit known flaws in the interface software. Preconditions include network connectivity to the affected Western Digital TV device and a lack of strong password protection on the administration interface. While no specific CVE currently exists for this detection alone, vulnerabilities within WD TV interfaces have been documented previously. An attacker could gain full control of the TV by exploiting a default login or a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the web interface.

• Root cause: The web administration interface is enabled and accessible without sufficient security measures.
• Exploit mechanism: Attackers attempt to access the interface via its network address, then try common default credentials or exploit known vulnerabilities like XSS or command injection.
• Scope: Western Digital Smart TVs and media players (WD TV Live, WD TV Mini, etc.) are affected. Specific models and firmware versions may vary in vulnerability status.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm the presence of the web interface by attempting to access it directly via a web browser. A thorough assessment involves checking for default credentials and scanning for known vulnerabilities.

• Quick checks: Open a web browser and navigate to the TV’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100). If you see a login page, the interface is present.
• Scanning: Nessus vulnerability scan ID 137454 detects this issue. Other scanners may have similar checks.
• Logs and evidence: Check web server logs on any proxy servers or firewalls for requests to common Western Digital TV IP addresses or ports (typically port 80).

ping 

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The following steps outline how to secure the web interface and mitigate the risk of unauthorised access.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: Access to the TV’s network is needed. Roll back involves restoring factory defaults if configuration changes cause issues.
• Change window needs: A short maintenance window may be needed for firmware updates. Approval from a system owner might be necessary.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Change the default administrator password to a strong, unique value via the web interface settings.
2. Step 2: Disable remote administration access if not required. This is usually found in the security or network settings of the web interface.
3. Step 3: Check for and install any available firmware updates from Western Digital’s website.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Default username: admin, Default password: password

After

Username: , Password: 

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this issue.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access to the administration interface only to authorised users.
• Practice 2: Strong password policies – enforce strong, unique passwords for all administrator accounts.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is difficult due to device limitations. Scripting changes via the web interface API may be possible but requires significant effort and testing.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm that the fix worked by verifying the new password is required for access and that remote administration is disabled if applicable.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to log in with the default credentials; access should be denied.
• Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan; it should no longer detect the vulnerability.
• Monitoring: Check web server logs for failed login attempts to the TV’s IP address.

Attempt to access http:// with default credentials - should fail.

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Implement security baselines and network monitoring to prevent similar issues.

• Baselines: Include a requirement for strong passwords on all IoT devices in your security baseline.
• Pipelines: Consider network segmentation or access control lists (ACLs) to restrict access to the TV’s IP address.
• Asset and patch process: Regularly review firmware updates for Western Digital TVs and apply them promptly.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Changing passwords incorrectly or disabling essential features could impact TV functionality.

• Risk or side effect 2: Disabling remote administration may prevent legitimate remote management tasks; ensure local access is available.
• Roll back: Restore factory defaults via the TV’s settings menu if configuration changes cause issues.

8. References and Resources

Links to official advisories and documentation.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.westerndigital.com
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable for this general detection.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD_TV