CVE-2011-0372 in Telepresence System 3000
Summary
by MITRE
The CGI implementation on Cisco TelePresence endpoint devices with software 1.2.x through 1.5.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malformed request, related to "command injection vulnerabilities," aka Bug ID CSCtb31640.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0372 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Common Gateway Interface implementation of Cisco TelePresence endpoint devices. This security weakness affects specific software versions ranging from 1.2.x through 1.5.x, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors who can exploit the system through malformed HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the CGI processing framework, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-77, which categorizes command injection vulnerabilities as a serious weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into command execution contexts without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector operates through the web-based management interface of the TelePresence system, where the CGI component processes user requests and fails to properly sanitize input parameters before incorporating them into system commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system of the TelePresence device, potentially enabling them to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive meeting data, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the typical deployment environment of TelePresence systems, which often reside in secure corporate or government facilities where such devices may have elevated network privileges or access to sensitive communications infrastructure. This makes the potential attack impact significantly more dangerous than a typical web application vulnerability, as the compromised device could serve as a gateway to critical internal resources.
Cisco's vulnerability disclosure indicates that the flaw specifically relates to how the system processes certain parameters within HTTP requests, particularly those related to system configuration and management functions. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary command execution because the CGI implementation does not properly validate or escape input values before using them in system calls or shell commands. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where TelePresence systems are often deployed with administrative privileges and may have access to network resources beyond their immediate scope. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious HTTP request containing specially formatted parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable CGI component, result in unintended command execution on the target device. Organizations utilizing these systems face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations if the vulnerability remains unpatched. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the 'Command and Control' and 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' techniques, highlighting the potential for attackers to establish persistent access and move laterally within compromised networks. Mitigation strategies should include immediate software patching, network segmentation to limit access to TelePresence management interfaces, and implementation of web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests that could be attempting to exploit this vulnerability.