CVE-2012-0330 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server with software before X7.0.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device crash) via a malformed SIP message, aka Bug ID CSCtr20426.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0330 affects Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server systems running software versions prior to X7.0.1. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack against targeted devices. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the processing of malformed Session Initiation Protocol messages, which are fundamental components of VoIP communications used in video conferencing systems. The issue was documented under Bug ID CSCtr20426, indicating its classification within Cisco's internal tracking systems for security vulnerabilities.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient input validation mechanisms within the SIP message handling subsystem of the TelePresence Video Communication Server. When the system receives a malformed SIP message, the parsing logic fails to properly handle unexpected or malformed data structures, leading to a critical system failure. This processing error results in an unhandled exception that causes the device to crash and subsequently become unavailable for legitimate communications. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and CWE-248, which covers exposure of an exception to external parties. The attack vector requires only network access to send malicious SIP messages to the targeted server, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring physical access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise the availability of critical video communication infrastructure within enterprise environments. Organizations relying on Cisco TelePresence systems for business continuity, remote collaboration, and critical communications may experience significant operational downtime when exploited. The device crash resulting from this vulnerability can lead to extended periods of unavailability, potentially affecting multiple users and departments simultaneously. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1498, which encompasses various forms of denial of service attacks, and T1595, which involves reconnaissance activities to identify vulnerable systems. The attack can be executed with minimal resources and technical expertise, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to disrupt business operations or create chaos within targeted organizations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the remediation measures provided by Cisco, including upgrading to software version X7.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the malformed SIP message handling issue. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as SIP message filtering and rate limiting to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper input validation mechanisms in network infrastructure devices. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SIP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network components, particularly those handling real-time communication protocols. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust input validation and proper exception handling in network infrastructure software, as these deficiencies can lead to catastrophic system failures with significant business impact.