CVE-2008-3081 in Messaging Storage Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified "input validation" vulnerabilities in the Web management interface (aka Messaging Administration interface) in Avaya Message Storage Server (MSS) 3.x and 4.0, and possibly Communication Manager 3.1.x, allow remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary commands as user vexvm via vectors related to (1) SFTP Remote Store configuration; (2) remote FTP storage settings; (3) name server lookup; (4) pinging another host; (5) TCP/IP Networking parameter configuration; (6) the external hosts configuration main page; (7) adding and changing external hosts; (8) Windows domain parameter configuration; (9) date, time, and NTP server configuration; (10) alarm settings; (11) the command line history form; (12) the maintenance form; and (13) the server events form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2017
The CVE-2008-3081 vulnerability represents a critical input validation flaw within the web management interface of Avaya Message Storage Server versions 3.x and 4.0, with potential impacts extending to Communication Manager 3.1.x. This vulnerability resides in the messaging administration interface which serves as the primary control point for system configuration and management operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by authenticated remote administrators. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-20, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental security weakness that enables various attack patterns including command injection and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple configuration interfaces within the web management console, each presenting distinct pathways for malicious input to be processed without adequate sanitization. Attackers can leverage these vectors by manipulating SFTP Remote Store configuration parameters, remote FTP storage settings, name server lookup fields, ping operations, TCP/IP networking parameters, external hosts configuration pages, Windows domain parameter settings, date and time configuration fields, NTP server specifications, alarm settings, command line history forms, maintenance forms, and server events configuration interfaces. Each of these attack vectors represents a potential entry point where unvalidated user input could be executed as system commands with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for organizations relying on Avaya Message Storage Server implementations. A successful exploitation allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the vexvm user account, which typically operates with elevated system permissions. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to gain complete control over the messaging storage server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, disruption of messaging services, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is granted over network connections.
Organizations affected by CVE-2008-3081 should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the web management interface, and enforcing strict access controls for administrative accounts. The vulnerability's mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" demonstrates the potential for attackers to leverage this flaw for persistent access and privilege escalation within the environment. Security monitoring should focus on unusual command execution patterns, unexpected administrative access attempts, and anomalous network traffic originating from the messaging server management interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include regular security assessments, network access controls, and comprehensive monitoring of administrative activities to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.