CVE-2011-0374 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 authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via a malformed request, related to "command injection vulnerabilities," aka Bug ID CSCtb31659.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0374 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 authenticated adversaries who can exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected systems. The flaw specifically resides in how the device processes incoming requests through its CGI interface, allowing maliciously crafted inputs to be interpreted as executable commands rather than simple data parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which categorizes command injection flaws as weaknesses where untrusted input is directly incorporated into command execution contexts without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can craft malicious requests that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system of the TelePresence device. The exploit requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already established credentials within the system can escalate privileges to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0374 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the entire TelePresence device functionality. This includes but is not limited to accessing sensitive configuration data, modifying system parameters, installing malicious software, or using the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the core communication infrastructure of video conferencing systems, potentially disrupting business continuity and compromising sensitive video conference communications. Organizations relying on Cisco TelePresence solutions for critical business operations face significant risk of data breaches and service interruptions when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official Cisco security patches released in response to this flaw, which typically include input validation improvements and proper sanitization of CGI parameters. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the TelePresence management interfaces. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous command execution patterns and establishing regular security assessments of endpoint devices can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for security-conscious development practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the command and control techniques category, specifically targeting the use of legitimate credentials for privilege escalation and remote code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious patterns in CGI request processing and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.