CVE-2013-1108 in WebEx Training Center
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco WebEx Training Center allows remote authenticated users to remove hands-on lab-session reservations via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCzu81064.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1108 affects Cisco WebEx Training Center software, specifically targeting the session management functionality within the platform. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that enables remote authenticated users to manipulate reservation systems for hands-on lab sessions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the WebEx Training Center application, allowing malicious actors to construct specially crafted URLs that can manipulate session reservation data. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly verify user permissions before processing reservation modification requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized session management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that control reservation states within the WebEx Training Center environment. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that target specific session reservation identifiers and execute actions that should only be available to authorized administrators or session owners. This flaw falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-285, specifically relating to insufficient authorization mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations. The vulnerability exists in the web application layer where session reservation data is processed, and the lack of proper authentication checks during URL parameter validation creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged remotely by authenticated users.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Cisco WebEx Training Center for educational and training purposes. The ability to remove hands-on lab-session reservations can disrupt training schedules, compromise learning environments, and potentially expose sensitive training materials to unauthorized users. Organizations may experience service interruptions when legitimate reservation data is removed, leading to operational downtime and potential loss of training resources. The impact extends beyond simple session disruption as it can affect the integrity of training programs, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to restricted training environments or manipulate session data for malicious purposes. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprises that rely heavily on WebEx Training Center for corporate training, educational institutions, and organizations conducting security awareness programs that utilize hands-on lab sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1108 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the WebEx Training Center application. Organizations should ensure that all URL parameters are properly validated and that access controls are enforced before processing any reservation modification requests. The implementation of proper authentication checks and authorization verification should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized users from manipulating session reservation data through crafted URLs. Cisco released patches and updates to address this vulnerability, and organizations should ensure they are running patched versions of the WebEx Training Center software. Network segmentation and monitoring of WebEx Training Center traffic can help detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls and regular security audits of session reservation systems can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter potentially malicious URL requests targeting the WebEx Training Center application.