CVE-2013-1222 in Unified Customer Voice Portal
Summary
by MITRE
The Tomcat Web Management feature in Cisco Unified Customer Voice Portal (CVP) Software before 9.0.1 ES 11 does not properly configure Tomcat components, which allows remote attackers to launch arbitrary custom web applications via a crafted (1) HTTP or (2) HTTPS request, aka Bug ID CSCub38379.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1222 affects Cisco Unified Customer Voice Portal software versions prior to 9.0.1 ES 11, specifically targeting the embedded Tomcat web management component. This issue represents a critical configuration flaw that undermines the security boundaries of the affected system. The vulnerability stems from improper Tomcat component configuration within the Cisco CVP environment, creating an attack vector that allows remote exploitation without authentication. The flaw enables attackers to deploy arbitrary web applications directly through the management interface, bypassing normal security controls that should restrict such operations. This represents a significant escalation of privileges vulnerability that could potentially lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems. The flaw manifests when the Tomcat management interface fails to properly validate or restrict incoming HTTP or HTTPS requests that attempt to deploy custom web applications. Attackers can craft specifically formatted requests that exploit this misconfiguration to inject and execute unauthorized applications within the Tomcat container. The vulnerability exists because the management interface lacks proper input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized deployment operations. This misconfiguration creates a persistent backdoor-like capability that can be exploited repeatedly, as the Tomcat components remain improperly configured even after initial exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, representing a severe threat to the integrity and confidentiality of voice portal operations. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can deploy malicious web applications that may include web shells, data exfiltration tools, or other malicious payloads designed to maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The ability to launch arbitrary web applications through HTTP or HTTPS channels means that attackers can potentially establish command and control capabilities, monitor communications, or disrupt voice services. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of customer voice portal services, potentially leading to service disruption, data breaches, or unauthorized surveillance of customer communications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the management interface, which typically requires elevated privileges and should be protected from unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1222 should prioritize immediate software updates to Cisco CVP versions 9.0.1 ES 11 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly configure Tomcat components. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the Tomcat management interface, limiting connections to trusted administrative networks only. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by disabling unnecessary web application deployment capabilities and ensuring that only authorized administrators can access management functions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual web application deployment activities or unauthorized HTTP/HTTPS requests targeting the management interface. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that Tomcat components are properly configured according to Cisco security recommendations and industry best practices for web application security. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious patterns of requests that may indicate exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.