CVE-2011-0381 in TelePresence Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Manager 1.2.x through 1.6.x allows remote attackers to perform unspecified actions and consequently execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to the Java RMI interface, related to a "command injection vulnerability," aka Bug ID CSCtf97085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0381 represents a critical command injection flaw within Cisco TelePresence Manager software versions 1.2.x through 1.6.x. This vulnerability specifically affects the Java Remote Method Invocation interface which serves as a communication channel for managing telepresence systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by submitting maliciously crafted requests that exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of command injection attacks where attacker-controlled data is interpreted as executable commands within the system's processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the Java RMI interface of the TelePresence Manager application. When the system processes incoming requests through this interface, it fails to properly validate or escape input parameters before using them in system commands or shell operations. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the affected service account. The vulnerability's classification as a command injection aligns with CWE-77 which specifically addresses situations where commands are constructed using untrusted input without proper sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where remote access is possible.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Cisco TelePresence Manager for video conferencing and collaboration services. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical communication services. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as the TelePresence Manager typically operates within enterprise networks where it may have access to sensitive corporate data and network resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to initiate the attack, making it particularly concerning for organizations with distributed telepresence deployments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage system command interfaces to execute malicious code. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate telepresence systems from critical network segments and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual RMI traffic patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in system design. Organizations should immediately apply Cisco's security patches and updates to address this vulnerability, while also reviewing their overall security posture for similar input validation issues in other networked applications and services. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing telepresence workflows and configurations.