CVE-2013-1110 in WebEx Training Center
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco WebEx Training Center allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended privilege restrictions and (1) enable or (2) disable training-center recordings via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCzu81065.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1110 affects Cisco WebEx Training Center software, representing a significant authorization bypass flaw that allows remote authenticated users to manipulate recording settings without proper privileges. This issue stems from insufficient access control mechanisms within the web application's URL handling system, specifically targeting the recording functionality of training center sessions. The vulnerability exists in the way the application processes user requests through URL parameters, failing to properly validate user permissions before executing administrative actions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted URLs that contain parameters designed to enable or disable recording features, effectively circumventing the intended security controls that should restrict such operations to authorized administrators only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient authorization checks within web applications, aligning with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input is processed without adequate validation of the requesting user's privileges, allowing authenticated but unauthorized users to perform privileged actions through manipulated URL parameters. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to functions necessary for their role. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs in a training environment where sensitive educational content may be recorded and stored, making unauthorized access to recording controls potentially dangerous for content protection and privacy.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates serious security implications for organizations using Cisco WebEx Training Center, as it allows attackers who have gained initial authenticated access to escalate their privileges within the system. Once an attacker successfully crafts a malicious URL, they can disable or enable recordings at will, potentially disrupting training sessions, accessing confidential content, or preventing legitimate administrators from managing training materials. The impact extends beyond simple convenience issues to potential data exposure and service disruption, particularly in enterprise environments where training center recordings may contain sensitive proprietary information or personal data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with network access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed user bases or those using the platform in cloud environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Cisco WebEx Training Center software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative functions, and establishing monitoring for unusual URL access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, with recommendations aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering. Additional protective measures include restricting administrative functions to specific IP addresses, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities. Organizations should also review their privilege assignment policies and ensure that users only receive the minimum permissions necessary for their legitimate business functions.