Critical Vulnerability in Pelco Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras: Immediate Action Required
Executive Summary
In February 2026, a critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-1241) was identified in Pelco, Inc.'s Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras, affecting firmware versions up to 02.52. This flaw allows unauthorized access to the cameras' web management interface, enabling attackers to view live video streams and potentially manipulate device settings without proper authentication. The vulnerability poses significant privacy risks and operational challenges for organizations utilizing these surveillance systems.
The incident underscores the growing threat landscape targeting IoT devices, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as commercial facilities, defense, energy, healthcare, and transportation. As cyber adversaries increasingly exploit vulnerabilities in connected devices, it is imperative for organizations to prioritize regular firmware updates, implement robust access controls, and conduct comprehensive security assessments to mitigate potential risks.
Why This Matters Now
The exploitation of IoT vulnerabilities, like the one found in Pelco's Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras, highlights the urgent need for organizations to secure their connected devices. With increasing reliance on surveillance systems across critical sectors, unpatched vulnerabilities can lead to severe privacy breaches and operational disruptions. Immediate action is required to update affected devices and strengthen security protocols to prevent potential exploitation.
Attack Path Analysis
An attacker exploited an authentication bypass vulnerability in the Pelco Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras to gain unauthorized access to live video streams. This access allowed the attacker to view sensitive surveillance footage without proper credentials. The attacker then attempted to escalate privileges to modify camera settings or disable security features. Subsequently, the attacker moved laterally to other networked devices, potentially compromising additional systems. The attacker established a command and control channel to maintain persistent access and control over the compromised devices. Sensitive data, including video footage, was exfiltrated to external servers. Finally, the attacker disrupted surveillance operations by disabling cameras or altering their configurations.
Kill Chain Progression
Initial Compromise
Description
The attacker exploited an authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-1241) in the Pelco Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras, allowing unauthorized access to the web management interface and live video streams.
Related CVEs
CVE-2026-1241
CVSS 8.7An authentication bypass vulnerability in Pelco Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Cameras allows unauthorized access to the web management interface, potentially leading to unauthorized viewing of live video streams and exposure of sensitive device data.
Affected Products:
Pelco, Inc. Sarix Professional IMP 3 Series – <=02.52
Pelco, Inc. Sarix Professional IXP 3 Series – <=02.52
Pelco, Inc. Sarix Professional IBP 3 Series – <=02.52
Pelco, Inc. Sarix Professional IWP 3 Series – <=02.52
Exploit Status:
no public exploit
MITRE ATT&CK® Techniques
Techniques identified for SEO/filtering; may be expanded with full STIX/TAXII enrichment later.
Exploit Public-Facing Application
Valid Accounts
Video Capture
Exploitation for Defense Evasion
Web Portal Capture
Potential Compliance Exposure
Mapping incident impact across multiple compliance frameworks.
PCI DSS 4.0 – Strong Access Control Measures
Control ID: 8.2.1
NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500 – Cybersecurity Policy
Control ID: 500.03
DORA – ICT Risk Management Framework
Control ID: Article 5
CISA ZTMM 2.0 – Identity and Access Management
Control ID: 3.1
NIS2 Directive – Security Measures
Control ID: Article 21
Sector Implications
Industry-specific impact of the vulnerabilities, including operational, regulatory, and cloud security risks.
Government Administration
Critical infrastructure surveillance systems vulnerable to authentication bypass, exposing sensitive government facilities to unauthorized video access and compliance violations.
Health Care / Life Sciences
Hospital IP camera authentication bypass threatens patient privacy, HIPAA compliance, and facility security through unauthorized surveillance system access.
Defense/Space
Military facility surveillance compromised by camera authentication vulnerabilities, risking operational security and sensitive defense infrastructure exposure to unauthorized access.
Transportation
Transportation hub security cameras vulnerable to bypass attacks, compromising passenger safety monitoring and critical infrastructure surveillance across airports and transit systems.
Sources
- Pelco, Inc. Sarix Pro 3 Series IP Camerashttps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-057-02Verified
- Pelco Supporthttps://www.pelco.com/supportVerified
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloud Native Security Fabric Mitigations and ControlsCNSF
Aviatrix Zero Trust CNSF is pertinent to this incident as it could have limited the attacker's ability to move laterally and exfiltrate data by enforcing strict segmentation and identity-aware policies.
Control: Cloud Native Security Fabric (CNSF)
Mitigation: While initial access may still occur, the attacker's ability to exploit the compromised device could be limited, reducing the potential for further malicious actions.
Control: Zero Trust Segmentation
Mitigation: The attacker's ability to escalate privileges could be constrained, reducing the risk of unauthorized modifications to camera settings or security features.
Control: East-West Traffic Security
Mitigation: The attacker's ability to move laterally within the network could be restricted, reducing the risk of additional system compromises.
Control: Multicloud Visibility & Control
Mitigation: The attacker's ability to establish and maintain command and control channels could be limited, reducing the risk of persistent access.
Control: Egress Security & Policy Enforcement
Mitigation: The attacker's ability to exfiltrate sensitive data could be constrained, reducing the risk of data loss.
The attacker's ability to disrupt surveillance operations could be limited, reducing the risk of operational impact.
Impact at a Glance
Affected Business Functions
- Surveillance Monitoring
- Security Operations
Estimated downtime: N/A
Estimated loss: N/A
Unauthorized access to live video streams and sensitive device data.
Recommended Actions
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- • Implement Zero Trust Segmentation to enforce least privilege access and prevent unauthorized lateral movement.
- • Deploy East-West Traffic Security controls to monitor and restrict internal network communications.
- • Utilize Egress Security & Policy Enforcement to control outbound traffic and prevent data exfiltration.
- • Apply Multicloud Visibility & Control solutions to detect and respond to anomalous activities across cloud environments.
- • Regularly update device firmware to address known vulnerabilities and enhance security posture.
