CVE-2013-1111 in Analog Telephone Adaptor
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco ATA 187 Analog Telephone Adaptor with firmware 9.2.1.0 and 9.2.3.1 before ES build 4 does not properly implement access control, which allows remote attackers to execute operating-system commands via vectors involving a session on TCP port 7870, aka Bug ID CSCtz67038.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2017
The Cisco ATA 187 Analog Telephone Adaptor represents a critical network device that bridges traditional analog telephone systems with modern IP-based communication networks. This device operates as a gateway between analog telephony equipment and IP networks, making it a prime target for cyber attacks that could compromise both voice communication integrity and network security. The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1111 specifically affects firmware versions 9.2.1.0 and 9.2.3.1 prior to ES build 4, indicating a software implementation flaw that existed across multiple firmware releases but was not adequately addressed in the affected versions.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in access control implementation within the device's TCP port 7870 service. This port typically serves as a management interface for the ATA device, allowing administrators to configure various telephony parameters and system settings. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms and input validation procedures, which permit unauthenticated remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary operating-system commands. This represents a severe authorization bypass that fundamentally undermines the device's security model and creates a backdoor for malicious actors to gain system-level privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected device and potentially the broader network segment it occupies. Remote command execution capabilities enable threat actors to manipulate telephony configurations, intercept voice communications, redirect calls, or even use the device as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. Given that many organizations rely on ATA devices for critical business communications, the compromise of such a device could result in significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and damage to corporate reputation. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically representing a failure in proper authorization controls that allows unauthorized users to access system resources. From an adversarial perspective, the attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage the device's command execution capabilities to establish persistent access. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1133 External Remote Services, as it exploits a remote management interface that should have been secured against unauthorized access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to the latest available versions, network segmentation to isolate ATA devices, and firewall rules to restrict access to TCP port 7870 to authorized management systems only. Additionally, regular security assessments and monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity on this port should be implemented as part of comprehensive security operations.