CVE-2011-0380 in TelePresence Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Manager 1.2.x through 1.6.x allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and invoke arbitrary methods via a malformed SOAP request, aka Bug ID CSCtc59562.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0380 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Cisco TelePresence Manager software versions 1.2.x through 1.6.x. This issue resides in the SOAP-based web services implementation that governs the management and control of Cisco TelePresence systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to circumvent the authentication mechanisms that should normally protect access to administrative functions and system controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests through malformed SOAP requests that exploit weaknesses in the input validation and authentication processing within the TelePresence Manager service.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of SOAP request parameters and inadequate authentication checks within the web service interface. When the system processes malformed SOAP requests, it fails to properly validate the authentication tokens or credentials provided by the attacker. This allows unauthorized parties to invoke arbitrary methods within the TelePresence Manager service without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on the bypass of authentication mechanisms. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor path through which attackers can execute commands and access system functionality that should be restricted to authorized administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the TelePresence Manager service. This includes the ability to manage conference scheduling, configure system settings, access sensitive meeting data, and potentially manipulate the underlying telepresence infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the network or system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where TelePresence systems are deployed. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to conduct surveillance, disrupt communications, or escalate privileges to gain access to other connected systems within the network infrastructure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. The initial compromise through authentication bypass represents a technique categorized under T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting. Organizations using affected Cisco TelePresence Manager versions face significant risk as this vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to gain persistent access to video conferencing infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that TelePresence systems are often integrated with enterprise networks and may contain sensitive business communications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, network segmentation to isolate TelePresence infrastructure, and implementation of additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous SOAP request patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.