CVE-2008-6579 in CS1000
Summary
by MITRE
Nortel Communication Server 1000 4.50.x allows remote attackers to obtain Web application structure via unknown vectors related to "web resources to phones and administrators."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6579 affects the Nortel Communication Server 1000 version 4.50.x, representing a significant information disclosure flaw within the web application framework of this enterprise communication system. This issue enables remote attackers to obtain detailed information about the web application structure through unspecified vectors that are specifically tied to web resources accessible to both phones and administrators. The vulnerability resides within the server's web interface implementation, where insufficient access controls or improper resource handling allows unauthorized parties to gather structural information about the underlying web application architecture. This type of information disclosure represents a critical security weakness that can provide attackers with valuable insights into the system's internal workings and potential attack surfaces.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the web application layer of the Communication Server 1000, where web resources designed for phone systems and administrative functions are exposed without proper authorization checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness to map the web application structure, potentially revealing directory layouts, file names, application components, and other architectural details that would normally be restricted to authorized users. This information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including path traversal exploits, directory listing enumeration, or targeted attacks against specific application components. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust relationships between different system components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or specific privileges. This weakness aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper information exposure, and represents a classic example of how insufficient access control mechanisms can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities in enterprise communication systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6579 extends beyond simple information gathering, as the disclosed web application structure can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. Once an attacker has mapped the application architecture, they can identify potential weaknesses in the system's security implementation, locate sensitive files or endpoints, and develop more targeted attack vectors. The exposure of web resource structures to unauthorized parties can also reveal the implementation details of the communication server's administrative interfaces, potentially exposing vulnerabilities in authentication mechanisms or privilege escalation paths. Organizations running this vulnerable version of Nortel Communication Server 1000 face increased risk of compromise, as the information disclosure can serve as a launching point for more serious attacks including session hijacking, data exfiltration, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where communication servers are critical infrastructure components, as the exposed information can be leveraged to bypass security controls or exploit other weaknesses in the network perimeter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6579 should focus on implementing proper access controls and resource protection mechanisms within the web application layer of the Nortel Communication Server 1000. Organizations should ensure that web resources designed for phone systems and administrative functions are properly secured with appropriate authentication and authorization checks. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the communication server's web interface, and firewall rules should restrict access to only necessary administrative IP addresses. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Nortel Communication Server 1000 that addresses this information disclosure vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to web resources, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the communication infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect critical communication infrastructure from information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire network environments. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information, as attackers often use such reconnaissance activities to plan more sophisticated attacks against enterprise communication systems.