CVE-2012-3939 in WebEx Recording Format Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Cisco WebEx Recording Format (WRF) player T27 before LD SP32 EP10 and T28 before T28.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted WRF file, aka Bug ID CSCua61331.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3939 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Cisco WebEx Recording Format player components, specifically affecting T27 versions prior to LD SP32 EP10 and T28 versions prior to T28.4. This issue resides in the handling of WRF files, which are used for storing and replaying WebEx recordings, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Cisco collaboration platforms. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data, and is classified as a memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the affected WebEx player processes a maliciously crafted WRF file that contains oversized data structures or malformed memory allocations. When the player attempts to parse and render the recording content, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data buffers, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw specifically affects the memory management routines within the T27 and T28 player components, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through network-based attacks without requiring user interaction, making it an attractive target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within organizational networks. Organizations using Cisco WebEx solutions are particularly at risk since WRF files are commonly shared and stored in collaborative environments, making the attack surface larger than typical buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers command and script interpreter usage, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3939 should include immediate deployment of Cisco's security patches and updates for affected T27 and T28 versions, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Organizations should also consider disabling WRF file processing where possible and implementing strict file validation policies for incoming content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, reinforcing the need for regular security assessments of collaboration platforms and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious WRF file transfers and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed.