HiP2P Client 6.5.7.5

HiP2P Security: Recurring Questions and Known Issues

1. Why does Malwarebytes flag HiP2P as a potential threat?

Several users have reported that Malwarebytes detects HiP2P-related processes, particularly P2PClient.exe, as malicious. These detections often involve outbound connections to suspicious IP addresses, some of which are associated with compromised domains or Trojan activity. For instance, one user noted repeated blocks of outbound traffic from HiP2P to IP addresses flagged for malicious activity.
Source: Malwarebytes Forum

Security experts suggest that such behavior indicates potential unauthorized data transmission or communication with untrusted servers. Given these concerns, it's advisable to monitor HiP2P's network activity and consider alternative software if suspicious behavior persists.

2. Are there known vulnerabilities in HiP2P's underlying protocols?

Yes. HiP2P utilizes P2P protocols for device communication, some of which have documented vulnerabilities. Notably, a buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9527 affects firmware developed by Shenzhen Hichip Vision Technology, which is used in many P2P-based devices. This flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the P2P service.
Source: GitHub - HiChip RCE

Furthermore, research has shown that certain P2P protocols can expose devices to man-in-the-middle attacks, credential theft, and unauthorized access to video streams.
Source: Bitdefender Research

These vulnerabilities underscore the importance of ensuring that devices and software using P2P protocols are regularly updated and secured.

3. Does HiP2P transmit data to foreign servers without user consent?

There have been reports suggesting that HiP2P's P2PClient.exe attempts to connect to external servers, some located in foreign countries, without explicit user initiation. Analyses have shown outbound connections to IP addresses in China, raising concerns about potential unauthorized data transmission.
Source: File.net Analysis

While such connections might be part of the software's normal operation for remote access features, the lack of transparency and control over these communications can be problematic. Users are encouraged to monitor network traffic and use firewall rules to restrict unwanted outbound connections.

4. Is HiP2P considered a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

Yes. Security tools like Malwarebytes often classify HiP2P as a Potentially Unwanted Program due to its behavior, which includes unsolicited outbound connections and potential security risks. In discussions on security forums, experts have advised users to uninstall HiP2P if it's not essential, citing its potential as a security threat.
Source: Malwarebytes Forum

Given these classifications, users should evaluate the necessity of HiP2P in their systems and consider alternatives that offer better transparency and security.