CVE-2002-0668 in xpressa
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface for Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4 allows authenticated users to modify the Call Forwarding settings and hijack calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0668 affects the Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone system version 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4, representing a critical security flaw in the web interface component that governs call management functions. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and authentication mechanisms within the device's user interface, allowing authenticated users to exploit a privilege escalation vulnerability. The flaw specifically targets the call forwarding configuration parameters, which are typically restricted to authorized administrative personnel or users with appropriate privileges. The vulnerability operates through a design flaw in the web application's permission model where the system fails to properly validate user roles when processing requests to modify call forwarding settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web interface failing to enforce proper authorization checks before allowing modifications to critical call routing parameters. When an authenticated user attempts to modify call forwarding settings, the system should verify that the user possesses the necessary administrative privileges before executing the change. However, the vulnerable implementation allows any authenticated user to submit requests that modify these settings without proper validation. This weakness creates a path for malicious insiders or compromised accounts to hijack calls by redirecting them to unauthorized numbers or intercepting communications. The vulnerability manifests through HTTP requests that target the call forwarding configuration endpoints, where the application processes the modifications without adequate session validation or role-based access control checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating significant risks for enterprise communications infrastructure. An attacker with valid credentials can redirect all incoming calls to arbitrary numbers, potentially enabling eavesdropping, fraud, or service disruption attacks. This capability allows for unauthorized call hijacking that could compromise sensitive business communications, customer data, or proprietary information transmitted through the voice-over-IP system. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SIP-based telephony systems for critical business operations, as it provides a mechanism for unauthorized users to gain control over call routing and potentially intercept communications. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the phone system serves as a primary communication channel for financial transactions, healthcare communications, or other sensitive exchanges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0668 should focus on immediate patch deployment and enhanced access controls within the affected system. Organizations should implement the vendor-provided security updates that address the authentication bypass vulnerability and strengthen the web interface's authorization mechanisms. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate the affected telephony systems from critical business networks, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regular audit logging of call forwarding changes can help detect unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering or compromised credentials. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual call forwarding modifications and abnormal access patterns to the web interface, while network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting the SIP-based phone system.