CVE-2011-0386 in Telepresence Recording Server Software
Summary
by MITRE
The XML-RPC implementation on Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices with software 1.6.x and 1.7.x before 1.7.1 allows remote attackers to overwrite files and consequently execute arbitrary code via a malformed request, aka Bug ID CSCti50739.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0386 affects Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices running software versions 1.6.x and 1.7.x prior to 1.7.1, representing a critical security flaw in the XML-RPC implementation that enables remote code execution through file overwrite operations. This vulnerability resides within the telecommunications infrastructure components designed for video conferencing and recording services, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems handle sensitive communications and data.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the XML-RPC processing mechanism, specifically failing to adequately sanitize file paths and request parameters submitted by remote attackers. When malformed XML-RPC requests are processed, the system does not properly validate the destination file paths, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file locations for writing operations. This weakness creates a path traversal condition that can be exploited to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or executable components within the device's filesystem. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Injection flaws, demonstrating how inadequate input validation can lead to severe remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full control over the affected TelePresence Recording Server devices. Attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Cisco TelePresence systems for business communications, healthcare video conferencing, or educational institutions relying on secure video recording infrastructure, making it particularly concerning for enterprises handling sensitive data. This flaw can be leveraged for persistent access, data manipulation, or to establish backdoors within the targeted network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0386 primarily involve immediate software patching to version 1.7.1 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the XML-RPC implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to TelePresence Recording Server devices, restricting XML-RPC service access to trusted administrative networks only. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual XML-RPC traffic patterns and malformed requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, disabling unnecessary services, and conducting regular security assessments of telepresence infrastructure aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense-in-depth principles, specifically targeting techniques related to privilege escalation and remote code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in network infrastructure devices, particularly those handling multimedia and communications data in enterprise environments.