October 31, 2025 by cnmAdmin2030Critical Firmware Flaws in CCTV & Access Control: Why Unpatched Devices Are a Security Nightmare

When is The Last Time You Downloaded Something on the Internet?

When you install a CCTV camera or an access control system, the assumption is that you’re building a barrier between your property and threats. But here’s something many people don’t realize: the invisible part of that barrier, firmware on the devices, can be the weakest link. 

Recent discoveries show that major camera and surveillance device manufacturers are releasing patches because attackers are exploiting firmware flaws.

For business owners and homeowners in Richmond and across Virginia, this means your physical security is only as strong as the code inside your devices.

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The Vulnerabilities

• In July 2025 security researchers found critical flaws in several models of Dahua CCTV cameras. These included two vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31700 and CVE-2025-31701) that allowed unauthenticated remote code execution. In short: hackers could hijack the camera without needing a password.
  
  • The recent discovery involves two high-severity firmware issues (rated around 8 out of 10 on the CVSS scale) that impact a range of Dahua camera models built before mid-April 2025.
    
  • Devices potentially affected include several popular lines such as the IPC-1000 and 2000 series, the WX and ECXX indoor/outdoor models, and the SD2A, SD3A, SD3D, SD2C, and SDT2A dome camera series.

In short, if your system uses any of these models and hasn’t received a firmware update since early 2025, it may still contain the flaws researchers identified.

Firmware Security Risks and Protection Against Firmware Hacking

• A broader review of firmware risks shows that embedded devices such as cameras and access controllers tend to have weak update practices, hard-coded credentials, unsecured upload handlers, and exposed services.
  
• Many footage and access systems live on networks that are connected to the internet, or use default network ports. If the device firmware has a flaw—you’ve effectively added a “front door” for an attacker.
  

Read More on Firmware Security Risks from EC Council Cybersecurity Exchange

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Why This Matters for Richmond Homes & Businesses

For commercial properties:
Imagine you manage a warehouse, a retail storefront, or an office park in Richmond. Your CCTV system and access control doors are supposed to stop unauthorized entry, tail-gating, or surveillance by adversaries. But if the firmware on your cameras or door controllers has a remote code execution flaw, then someone could:

• View or export your video feed without being noticed
  
• Unlock doors, disable alarms, or roll back camera logs
  
• Move laterally into your network and access other sensitive systems

View our Commercial Security Solutions

For homeowners:
Your “smart” home cameras, door-bell cams, garage door systems—all of these are firmware-controlled. If they’re exposed and unpatched, someone could watch inside your home, tamper with your sensors, or gain a foothold into your network (and from there your computers).

View our Residential Security Solutions

In both cases: The physical barrier is only meaningful if the devices are secure. Unpatched firmware means you’re depending on outdated, vulnerable tech. That’s not protection—it’s exposure.

Contact Johns Brother Security for a Free Security Consultation

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Five Signs Your Security System Is Likely at Risk

1. Your camera or access control system has not been updated in more than six months.
   
2. You use a device that is “internet-connected” (remote access enabled) and you have not changed the default password or disabled unnecessary network services.
   
3. The system manufacturer has announced a firmware update for your model and you didn’t install it.
   
4. Your CCTV or access control devices are on the same network as your business computers, servers or home computers.
   
5. You don’t monitor the logs or alerting of device behavior (login attempts, firmware-upload events, remote access).
   

If any of these apply to you, it’s time to assume your system is vulnerable, and act accordingly. Call Us Today to get your Security System Upgraded or Serviced.

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Action Steps to Harden Your System

• Check for firmware updates immediately. Contact your camera / access control vendor (or your security provider) and ensure you’re running the latest firmware version.
  
• Change all default passwords and disable unused services. Make sure administrative access is secured, multi-factor where available, and remote upload/download services are disabled if not needed.
  
• Segment your security devices from your main network. Ideally, your CCTV and access control gear should be on a dedicated network or VLAN so that even if compromised, the attacker’s movement is limited.
  
• Disable direct internet access unless required. If remote viewing is needed, use a secure method (VPN, encrypted cloud access) rather than opening ports directly to the internet.
  
• Schedule regular firmware audits and device reviews. Your security system should be part of your regular maintenance program—just like fire alarms and physical locks.
  
• Work with a trusted security partner. A professional can assess your current devices, identify end-of-life hardware (which might no longer receive patches), and design upgrades or replacements.
  

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How Johns Brothers Security Can Help

At Johns Brothers Security (Richmond, VA), we specialize in more than just installing cameras and alarms. We ensure your whole system is secure from the firmware up. Here’s how we support you:

• We audit your current CCTV, access control, and network-connected security devices for firmware vulnerabilities.
  
• We update and harden your devices: latest firmware, secure network setup, password hardening, segmentation.
  
• We provide replacement planning for hardware that is out-of-date or no longer patched by the vendor.
  
• We maintain ongoing support and monitoring so you’re not left vulnerable tomorrow.
  

By working with us, you can stop worrying about “what if the firmware is vulnerable”, and rest easy knowing your system is maintained like it should be.

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Take the First Step

If you want to ensure your home or business is protected from this kind of “invisible” threat, contact Johns Brothers Security today. Let’s make sure your system is not just visible, but truly secure.

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