CVE-2011-0388 in TelePresence Multipoint Switch
Summary
by MITRE
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 do not properly restrict remote access to the Java servlet RMI interface, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption and web outage) via multiple crafted requests, aka Bug IDs CSCtg35830 and CSCtg35825.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0388 affects Cisco TelePresence Recording Server devices running software versions 1.6.x and Cisco TelePresence Multipoint Switch devices with software versions 1.0.x, 1.1.x, 1.5.x, and 1.6.x. This issue stems from insufficient access controls within the Java servlet RMI interface implementation, creating a critical security weakness that exposes these telepresence systems to unauthorized remote exploitation. The flaw represents a direct violation of proper access control principles and demonstrates inadequate input validation mechanisms within the affected Cisco products.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Java Remote Method Invocation interface, which is designed to enable distributed object communication within the telepresence infrastructure. Attackers can craft malicious requests that target the RMI interface without proper authentication or authorization checks, allowing them to establish connections and submit multiple crafted requests that consume excessive system resources. This resource exhaustion manifests as memory consumption issues that ultimately lead to service disruption and complete web outages. The vulnerability specifically targets the RMI interface's handling of incoming requests, where proper access restrictions are not enforced, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote attackers to exploit the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it fundamentally compromises the availability and reliability of critical telepresence infrastructure. Organizations relying on these systems for video conferencing, remote collaboration, and business continuity face potential disruption of critical communication channels that could affect business operations, executive meetings, and remote workforce connectivity. The memory consumption patterns associated with this vulnerability can cause cascading failures within the system architecture, potentially leading to complete system crashes and requiring manual intervention for recovery. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising system availability and can be classified under CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-400 for unspecified resource exhaustion.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0388 should include immediate deployment of Cisco security patches and firmware updates that properly restrict access to the RMI interface and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the affected RMI ports and services, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling the RMI interface entirely if it is not required for business operations, following the principle of least privilege and minimizing attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 for network denial of service and T1566 for credential harvesting through network service exploitation, making comprehensive monitoring and access control essential defensive measures.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper access control implementation in distributed systems and the critical need for regular security assessments of telepresence and collaboration infrastructure. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes and maintain current security awareness regarding the vulnerabilities in specialized communication systems. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor access control oversights in enterprise telepresence solutions can create significant operational risks and underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle. This issue serves as a reminder that even specialized communication equipment requires rigorous security hardening and regular vulnerability assessment to maintain operational integrity and prevent unauthorized access to critical business infrastructure.