CVE-2011-2543 in Telepresence Codec C60
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the cuil component in Cisco Telepresence System Integrator C Series 4.x before TC4.2.0 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (endpoint reboot or process crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a long location parameter to the getxml program, aka Bug ID CSCtq46496.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2543 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the cuil component of Cisco Telepresence System Integrator C Series 4.x systems running versions prior to TC4.2.0. This issue specifically affects the getxml program which processes location parameters, creating a remote attack vector that can be exploited by authenticated users. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of input validation within the telepresence system's communication protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered from external network locations.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the getxml program receives a specially crafted location parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This condition violates fundamental memory management principles and creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes classic buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the system fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied parameters before processing them.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a dual threat to affected Cisco Telepresence systems. Remote authenticated attackers can trigger either a denial of service condition that causes endpoint reboots or process crashes, effectively disrupting critical communication infrastructure. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow for arbitrary code execution, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges and complete system compromise. This represents a significant risk for organizations relying on telepresence systems for business continuity and secure communications, as the attack can be executed without requiring physical access to the devices.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites as it only necessitates authentication credentials, making it particularly concerning for environments where administrative access might be compromised. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to telepresence systems, potentially using them as entry points for broader network infiltration. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while also ensuring timely patch management to address the underlying buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems and telepresence applications that handle user-provided data.
Cisco addressed this vulnerability through the release of TC4.2.0 and subsequent security updates that implemented proper buffer size validation and input sanitization measures. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment and monitor for any related exploitation attempts in their network environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs in enterprise communication infrastructure.