CVE-2012-3941 in WebEx Recording Format Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based 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 via a crafted WRF file, aka Bug ID CSCtz72850.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3941 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in Cisco WebEx Recording Format player software versions prior to LD SP32 EP10 for T27 and T28 before T28.4. This issue affects the T27 and T28 product lines, specifically targeting the WebEx Recording Format player component that handles playback of recorded meetings and presentations. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of WRF files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow when the affected WebEx player processes malformed WRF files containing specially crafted data structures. The vulnerability occurs in the memory management routines where the application fails to properly validate input data lengths before copying data into fixed-size heap buffers. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a heap overflow under CWE-122, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of heap buffer bounds during memory operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where WebEx is extensively used for business communications and collaboration. Attackers can craft malicious WRF files that, when opened by an affected system, trigger the buffer overflow condition and provide a means to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within network environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it leverages a client-side application vulnerability to achieve code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3941 include immediate deployment of Cisco's security patches and updates for the affected WebEx player versions, specifically targeting LD SP32 EP10 for T27 and T28.4 or later releases that contain the necessary fixes for the heap buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network-based controls to block WRF file attachments from untrusted sources and consider restricting user permissions for WebEx player applications. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in preventing heap-based buffer overflow exploits, which remain a persistent threat vector in enterprise security environments.