CVE-2011-0385 in TelePresence Multipoint Switch
Summary
by MITRE
The administrative web interface on Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices with software 1.6.x and Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch (CTMS) devices with software 1.0.x, 1.1.x, 1.5.x, and 1.6.x allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via a crafted request, aka Bug IDs CSCth85786 and CSCth61065.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0385 represents a critical file manipulation flaw affecting Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices running software versions 1.6.x and Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch devices operating on versions 1.0.x, 1.1.x, 1.5.x, and 1.6.x. This security weakness resides within the administrative web interface of these telepresence systems, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the web interface components, allowing unauthorized users to manipulate the underlying file system through specially crafted HTTP requests. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains, including web application security, network device security, and remote code execution vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted HTTP request that bypasses normal authentication and authorization checks within the administrative web interface. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform arbitrary file creation or overwriting operations on the target device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it may enable remote code execution, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability is classified as a path traversal or file inclusion weakness, commonly mapped to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component. The attack vector operates entirely over the network without requiring physical access or local system credentials, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where these devices are often exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0385 is severe for organizations utilizing Cisco TelePresence systems, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain persistent control over critical communication infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can install backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive video conferencing data, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of enterprise communications. The vulnerability affects both recording servers that store and manage video content and multipoint switches that facilitate multi-party video conferences, creating a comprehensive attack surface across the entire telepresence ecosystem. Organizations may experience service disruption, data breaches, and compliance violations when these devices are compromised, particularly in regulated industries where communication security is paramount. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network perimeter defenses insufficient for protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0385 should focus on immediate patching of affected devices to address the underlying authentication and input validation flaws. Cisco released security updates that corrected the vulnerable web interface components and strengthened access controls for administrative functions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices to only trusted administrative networks, while disabling unnecessary web services and ports. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network devices, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security configuration issues. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous file creation or modification patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may use this weakness to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment. Continuous vulnerability management programs should be established to ensure timely patch deployment and prevent similar issues from arising in other Cisco products or third-party systems.