CVE-2011-3319 in WebEx Recording Format Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the WRF parsing functionality in the Cisco WebEx Recording Format (WRF) player T26 before SP49 EP40 and T27 before SP28 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted WRF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3319 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Cisco WebEx Recording Format player software, specifically affecting versions prior to SP49 EP40 for T26 and SP28 for T27. This security weakness resides in the WRF parsing functionality, which processes Cisco WebEx recording files used for storing and replaying web conferencing sessions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the player's parsing routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted WRF files. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to parse oversized or malformed data structures within the WRF file format, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in remote code execution scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems running vulnerable WebEx player versions. Remote exploitation requires no authentication and can be achieved through simple delivery of a malicious WRF file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebEx recordings are frequently shared and opened. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The attack surface is broad as WRF files are commonly used in business communications, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors targeting corporate networks. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise infrastructure that relies on WebEx for collaboration and training purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3319 should focus on immediate remediation through official Cisco security patches and updates. Organizations must prioritize updating all affected WebEx player installations to versions containing the necessary security fixes, particularly targeting the T26 SP49 EP40 and T27 SP28 releases or later. Network segmentation and file access controls should be implemented to restrict WRF file handling, including blocking or quarantining suspicious files from external sources. Security monitoring should include detection of WRF file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. System hardening measures such as disabling automatic playback of WRF files, implementing application whitelisting, and using sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should verify that all systems have been properly updated and that no legacy installations remain vulnerable. The remediation process should also include user education about the risks of opening untrusted WRF files and establishing secure file handling procedures. Organizations should consider implementing endpoint protection solutions with behavioral monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.