CVE-2011-2555 in Telepresence Recording Server Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Recording Server 1.7.2.x before 1.7.2.1 has a default password for the root administrator account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to modify the configuration via an SSH session, aka Bug ID CSCtr76182.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-2555 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco TelePresence Recording Server software versions 1.7.2.x prior to 1.7.2.1. This issue stems from the improper configuration of administrative credentials, specifically the presence of a default password for the root administrator account. The vulnerability exists within the TelePresence Recording Server product line, which is designed for enterprise video conferencing and recording solutions. The default credential configuration creates an inherent security weakness that significantly undermines the overall security posture of systems utilizing this software.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the hardcoded default password being accessible to any remote attacker who can establish an SSH connection to the system. This allows unauthorized individuals to gain root administrative privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or knowledge of specific user credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects the SSH protocol implementation within the TelePresence Recording Server, where the default root password remains unchanged from its factory settings. This creates a persistent security risk that persists until the software is updated to version 1.7.2.1 or later, which properly addresses the default credential issue.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the highest level of privileges available. Attackers can modify system configurations, access sensitive video recording data, potentially disrupt services, and establish persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to leverage this weakness. The SSH session access provides a direct pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where TelePresence systems are deployed. This flaw can result in data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to video conferencing recordings that may contain sensitive business or personal information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate software patching to version 1.7.2.1 or later, which resolves the default credential issue by either removing the default password or requiring explicit password configuration during installation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit SSH access to authorized personnel only, employ strong access control measures, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar default credential vulnerabilities across their infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a typical ATT&CK technique categorized under credential access and privilege escalation. Regular security audits and adherence to security best practices including the principle of least privilege should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other networked systems. Organizations must also ensure that default administrative accounts are disabled or have their credentials changed immediately upon system deployment to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.