CVE-2011-0375 in Telepresence System 3000
Summary
by MITRE
The CGI implementation on Cisco TelePresence endpoint devices with software 1.2.x through 1.6.x allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via a malformed request, related to "command injection vulnerabilities," aka Bug ID CSCth24671.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0375 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 1.6.x, creating a significant risk for organizations utilizing these video conferencing systems. The vulnerability operates through a malformed request mechanism that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices, fundamentally compromising the system's integrity and security posture.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the CGI processing components of the TelePresence endpoints. When legitimate users submit requests to the device, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters before processing them through command execution pathways. This insufficient sanitization creates an environment where maliciously crafted requests can bypass normal security controls and directly influence the underlying operating system commands. The vulnerability specifically targets the command injection attack vector, which is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')". This weakness allows attackers to inject operating system commands that are then executed with the privileges of the CGI process, typically running with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected TelePresence endpoints. Once exploited, the attacker can gain full control over the device's functionality, potentially enabling them to intercept communications, modify video streams, access stored configurations, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The remote authentication requirement means that attackers do not need physical access to the device, but must first establish legitimate credentials, which could be obtained through social engineering, credential theft, or other attack vectors. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through CGI interfaces.
Organizations utilizing Cisco TelePresence endpoints in the affected software versions face significant operational risks, as this vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors within their video conferencing infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that TelePresence devices often serve as critical communication nodes in enterprise environments, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to compromise sensitive communications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated command injection places it within the high-risk category of security flaws that can lead to complete system compromise. Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the command injection vulnerability, along with network segmentation to limit access to these devices. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of telepresence infrastructure are essential defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web application security, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for protecting enterprise communication systems.