CVE-2002-0674 in xpressa
Summary
by MITRE
Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4 does not "time out" an inactive administrator session, which could allow other users to perform administrator actions if the administrator does not explicitly end the authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2018
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2002-0674 affects the Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone systems running versions 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4, representing a critical session management flaw that directly impacts the security posture of enterprise communication infrastructures. This issue stems from the device's failure to implement proper session timeout mechanisms for administrator accounts, creating a persistent security risk that extends beyond the typical operational window of authenticated sessions.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient session management implementation where the system maintains administrator authentication states indefinitely without automatic termination of inactive sessions. This design deficiency allows unauthorized users to potentially exploit the system by monitoring network traffic or gaining physical access to the device during an active administrator session. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the authentication and session management components of the SIP-based telephony system, making it particularly dangerous given the privileged nature of administrator access to network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform critical administrative functions without proper authorization. An attacker who gains access to an active administrator session can modify network configurations, alter user permissions, access sensitive communication data, and potentially compromise the entire voice-over-IP infrastructure. This represents a significant escalation from a simple authentication bypass to a full administrative compromise that could result in complete system takeover and potential data exfiltration from enterprise communication networks.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which specifically addresses insufficient session timeout mechanisms, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access. The lack of automatic session termination creates a persistent threat vector that persists even after legitimate administrators have completed their work, effectively extending the attack surface indefinitely. Organizations utilizing these devices face heightened risk of insider threats and external exploitation, particularly in environments where physical security controls are inadequate.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of manual session termination procedures, enhanced physical security controls around network devices, and deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous administrative access patterns. System administrators should establish strict protocols for explicitly ending administrative sessions, implement regular session timeout policies where possible, and consider network segmentation to limit access to critical infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their voice-over-IP systems and implement network access controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to network devices. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to newer versions of the Pingtel xpressa firmware that properly implement session timeout mechanisms and adhere to modern security standards for session management and authentication protocols.