CVE-2008-2730 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Real-Time Information Server (RIS) Data Collector service in Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) 5.x before 5.1(3) and 6.x before 6.1(1) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, and obtain cluster configuration information and statistics, via a direct TCP connection to the service port, aka Bug ID CSCsj90843.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2730 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Cisco Unified Communications Manager's Real-Time Information Server Data Collector service. This issue affects Cisco CUCM versions 5.x prior to 5.1(3) and 6.x prior to 6.1(1), where the RIS Data Collector service fails to properly validate incoming connections, creating an unauthorized access vector for remote attackers. The vulnerability operates through a direct TCP connection to the service port, allowing malicious actors to bypass the normal authentication mechanisms that should protect sensitive cluster configuration data and statistical information. This flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected Cisco communication systems by exposing critical infrastructure details to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the RIS Data Collector service. When attackers establish a direct TCP connection to the designated service port, they can bypass the normal authentication protocols that would typically require proper credentials or authorization before granting access to cluster configuration information and statistics. This authentication bypass occurs at the service level where the RIS Data Collector should enforce strict access controls but fails to do so, allowing unauthenticated access to sensitive operational data. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor access point that operates outside the normal security boundaries of the communication system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with access to critical system information that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise. Cluster configuration information includes details about network topology, device configurations, and operational parameters that could reveal sensitive infrastructure layouts. Statistics data might contain information about usage patterns, call volumes, and system performance metrics that could be valuable for planning targeted attacks. This exposure creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance, map network structures, and identify potential additional vulnerabilities within the communication infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks against the affected systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates that address the authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to restrict direct TCP connections to the RIS Data Collector service port, particularly from untrusted networks. The implementation of firewall rules to block unauthorized access to the specific service port and monitoring for unusual connection patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining exposure points within the communication infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network security architecture. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as it allows unauthorized parties to obtain system information that would normally require authenticated access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper service authentication mechanisms and highlights the risks associated with legacy systems that may not have been updated to address known security weaknesses.