CVE-2021-36260

GreyNoise Detects Active Exploitation Attempts of CVE-2021-36260 Against Hikvision Cameras

GreyNoise recorded exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2021-36260 in Hikvision cameras and recorders between September 21 and October 1. The vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 9.8 and allows unauthenticated remote command execution through insufficient input validation in the embedded web server. Attack traffic originated from four IP addresses, three routed through a commercial VPN in Lithuania and one from a Ukrainian residential network, with all targets located in Ukraine. Attackers leveraged a publicly available Nuclei template to probe devices, though GreyNoise confirmed only scanning activity and not successful compromises. The five-year-old flaw remains actively scanned despite an available firmware patch from Hikvision and a CISA advisory recommending immediate updates. Password changes provide no protection because the attack requires no authentication. Defenders are advised to apply firmware updates, remove devices from public internet exposure, and segment video surveillance networks from critical infrastructure.