CVE-2011-0383 in TelePresence Multipoint Switch
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Servlet framework on Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices with software 1.6.x before 1.6.2 and Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch (CTMS) devices with software 1.0.x, 1.1.x, 1.5.x, and 1.6.x does not require administrative authentication for unspecified actions, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request, aka Bug IDs CSCtf42005 and CSCtf42008.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0383 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the Java Servlet framework of Cisco TelePresence systems, specifically affecting recording servers and multipoint switches. This weakness stems from insufficient access control mechanisms that fail to properly validate administrative credentials before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability impacts multiple device types including Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices running software versions 1.6.x prior to 1.6.2 and Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch devices with various software releases spanning 1.0.x through 1.6.x. The flaw manifests as an improper authorization condition that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to perform administrative actions typically restricted to authorized users, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these communication infrastructure devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Java Servlet component that handles web-based administrative interfaces for these telepresence systems. When attackers craft specially formatted HTTP requests containing malicious parameters, the system fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses appropriate administrative privileges. This authentication bypass enables remote code execution capabilities, as the system processes these unauthorized requests with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-285 which specifically addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The flaw exists at the application layer where web services fail to implement proper session management and access control checks, allowing attackers to escalate privileges without proper authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected devices. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially disrupt critical communication services. Organizations utilizing Cisco TelePresence infrastructure face significant risks including data breaches, service interruptions, and potential network compromise. The vulnerability affects both recording servers that store critical communication data and multipoint switches that manage conference connections, making it particularly dangerous for enterprises that rely on these systems for business continuity. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use for persistence and privilege escalation, as attackers can maintain unauthorized access through compromised administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0383 require immediate software updates to the patched versions of Cisco TelePresence software, specifically upgrading to Cisco TelePresence Recording Server 1.6.2 and ensuring all CTMS devices receive appropriate firmware updates. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from untrusted networks, restrict administrative access through firewall rules, and monitor for suspicious network activity. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their telepresence infrastructure and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and highlights the need for regular security updates to address known flaws in enterprise communication systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of administrative activities for forensic analysis purposes.