CVE-2011-2544 in Telepresence Mxp Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web interface in Cisco TelePresence System MXP Series F9.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted Call ID, as demonstrated by resultant cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks that change passwords or cause a denial of service, aka Bug ID CSCtq46488.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-2544 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web interface of Cisco TelePresence System MXP Series devices running firmware version 9.1 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanisms and input validation processes of the telepresence system's web management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized actions through crafted web requests. The flaw exists in the processing of Call ID parameters, which are commonly used within telepresence systems to identify and track communication sessions. When properly crafted, these Call ID values can bypass input sanitization measures and inject malicious script code directly into the web interface, enabling attackers to manipulate the system's behavior and compromise its security posture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting attacks, where insufficient input validation and output encoding create opportunities for attackers to inject malicious content into web applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when authenticated users interact with the system's web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing valid sessions rather than requiring additional authentication attempts. The crafted Call ID values can contain malicious JavaScript payloads that execute in the context of the victim's browser session, allowing attackers to perform actions such as password changes, session hijacking, or denial of service conditions. This particular implementation also demonstrates characteristics of CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) attack vectors as the injected scripts can manipulate the system's functionality without the user's knowledge or consent.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2544 extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation, as it provides attackers with significant control over telepresence system operations. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to modify system configurations, reset user passwords, or cause system instability through denial of service conditions that disrupt critical communication infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where telepresence systems serve as primary communication tools for executive and business-critical interactions. The vulnerability's presence in firmware versions 9.1 and earlier indicates a prolonged exposure period during which organizations could have been unknowingly compromised, as the flaw allows for persistent access to sensitive communication systems. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of telepresence services, potentially leading to business disruption, data compromise, and loss of trust in communication infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by Cisco, as the company has released patches addressing the XSS vulnerability in later firmware versions. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the telepresence system web interface, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and establishing strict input validation controls for all user-supplied data. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior patterns in telepresence system usage. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Credential Access techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including privileged access management, regular security audits, and user behavior analytics to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for telepresence system management interfaces will help minimize the impact of potential exploitation by limiting the scope of actions an attacker can perform even if successful in injecting malicious code.