CVE-2011-1603 in Skinny Client Control Protocol Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified IP Phones 7900 devices (aka TNP phones) with software before 9.2.1 allow local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCtn65815.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1603 affects Cisco Unified IP Phones 7900 series devices, commonly known as TNP phones, which are widely deployed in enterprise communication environments. These devices operate as part of Cisco's unified communications infrastructure and serve as critical endpoints for voice and video communications within organizations. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running software versions prior to 9.2.1, representing a significant security risk given the widespread deployment of these telephony devices across corporate networks. The affected phones are designed to provide secure communication capabilities while also serving as potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The technical flaw in question involves an unspecified privilege escalation vector that allows local users to elevate their access rights on the affected devices. While the exact technical mechanism remains unspecified in the CVE description, such privilege escalation vulnerabilities typically arise from improper access controls, insecure coding practices, or flawed authentication mechanisms within the device's operating system. The local nature of this vulnerability suggests that an attacker would need physical or network access to the device to exploit it, though this still represents a serious security concern given that many IP phones are deployed in accessible locations within office environments. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of local privilege escalation as defined by CWE-269, which addresses the issue of insufficient privileges being granted to local users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control issues, as it could enable attackers to modify device configurations, access sensitive communication data, or potentially use the compromised phone as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. In enterprise environments where these phones are integrated into larger communication infrastructures, a compromised device could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability could also affect the integrity of voice communications and potentially expose sensitive information transmitted through the phone system. Organizations relying on these devices for business-critical communications face significant risk if this vulnerability is exploited, as it could lead to unauthorized surveillance, communication interception, or disruption of critical business functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates to bring affected devices to version 9.2.1 or later, which would contain the necessary security patches. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventories to identify all affected devices and prioritize their remediation based on risk assessment. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to telephony infrastructure, deploying network access control measures, and monitoring for anomalous device behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under local privilege escalation patterns aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through various methods including software vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing device hardening practices, such as disabling unnecessary services and restricting physical access to telephony endpoints, to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation attempts.