Understanding the Honeywell CCTV Authentication Bypass CVE-2026-1670

What Are Honeywell CCTV Products?

Honeywell is a global manufacturer of security and building management systems. Their CCTV lineup includes:

• IP cameras such as fixed dome, bullet, and turret models
• PTZ cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities for large area coverage
• NVR and DVR systems for recording video
• Integrated video management systems

These products are widely used in:

• Commercial buildings
• Industrial facilities
• Healthcare and education environments
• Warehouses and logistics centers
• Government and infrastructure sites

Modern Honeywell cameras are network-connected devices. That means they typically include web-based management interfaces, remote configuration capabilities, and firmware that can be updated.

What Is CVE-2026-1670?

CVE-2026-1670 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting certain Honeywell CCTV camera models.

The core issue

The vulnerability stems from a missing authentication check on a sensitive function, specifically the password recovery mechanism.

In simple terms:

• A critical API endpoint tied to the forgot password feature does not properly require authentication.
• An attacker who can reach the device over the network may be able to change the account recovery email address.
• They could then initiate a password reset and take control of the device.

This type of issue is categorized under CWE-306, which stands for Missing Authentication for Critical Function. It has been assigned a high CVSS score, placing it in the critical severity range.

Why this is serious

If exploited, an attacker could:

• Gain administrative access to the camera
• View or manipulate live video feeds
• Change configuration settings
• Potentially use the camera as a pivot point into the broader internal network

Affected Devices

Reports indicate that several Honeywell IP camera models, particularly certain 2MP and PTZ variants running specific firmware versions, are affected. Organizations should review their Honeywell inventory, check firmware versions, and verify whether their models are listed as vulnerable.

Risk Context

This vulnerability does not require advanced exploitation techniques. The biggest risk factor is network exposure. The danger increases significantly if cameras are exposed directly to the internet, management interfaces are accessible without network restrictions, or devices are on flat networks without segmentation.

Recommended Actions

1. Apply Vendor Patches Immediately

Upgrade to patched firmware versions as soon as possible. Firmware updates are the most direct fix.

2. Restrict Network Access

• Do not expose cameras directly to the public internet
• Place devices behind firewalls
• Limit management interface access to trusted IP ranges
• Require VPN access for remote administration

3. Segment Security Devices

Use VLANs to isolate surveillance devices and block unnecessary east-west traffic. Segmentation dramatically reduces blast radius.

4. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

Review logs for password reset attempts, changes to recovery email addresses, and unknown login activity.

5. Strengthen General Camera Hygiene

Change default credentials, use strong passwords, and disable unused services like UPnP.

Bigger Picture: IoT and Security Debt

CVE-2026-1670 is another reminder that IoT and operational technology devices are part of your attack surface. Authentication failures remain one of the most common critical flaws, and asset inventory must include physical security systems.

Final Thoughts

Honeywell CCTV products are generally considered enterprise-grade, but no vendor is immune to security flaws. Identifying affected models and acting quickly is essential to ensure security cameras don't become silent backdoors.

References