CVE-2013-5529 in WebEx Meetings Center
Summary
by MITRE
The deployment module in the server in Cisco WebEx Meeting Center does not properly validate the passphrase, which allows remote attackers to launch a deployment or cause a denial of service (deployment interruption) via a direct request, aka Bug ID CSCuf52200.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5529 resides within the deployment module of Cisco WebEx Meeting Center server software, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the platform's access controls. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms applied to passphrases used during the deployment process, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote exploitation that can result in both privilege escalation and service disruption. The vulnerability specifically affects the server-side components of Cisco WebEx Meeting Center, which is widely used for enterprise video conferencing and collaboration services. The improper passphrase validation creates a condition where attackers can bypass legitimate authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to deployment functionalities. This weakness directly violates the fundamental security principle of input validation and authentication control, as outlined in the CWE-20 category for improper input validation. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized deployments or disrupt existing deployment processes, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can severely impact business continuity and collaboration workflows. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring prior authentication, making it accessible to threat actors with network access to the affected system. The security implications extend beyond simple access control breaches as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access points within enterprise networks, potentially serving as a foothold for further attacks. This flaw represents a significant weakness in Cisco's security architecture for the WebEx Meeting Center platform, where the deployment module should enforce strict passphrase validation but fails to do so adequately. The impact of this vulnerability is amplified by the widespread adoption of Cisco WebEx Meeting Center in enterprise environments, where the disruption of deployment services can cascade into broader operational failures. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as attackers can either elevate their privileges through unauthorized deployment access or simply disrupt service availability. Organizations utilizing Cisco WebEx Meeting Center are particularly at risk since the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the deployment process without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete service interruption or unauthorized system modifications. The lack of proper passphrase validation creates a critical gap in the authentication mechanism that can be exploited by sophisticated attackers to gain deeper access to the system. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the security design of the deployment module and highlights the importance of robust input validation in server-side applications. The potential for remote code execution or service disruption makes this a high-severity issue that requires immediate attention and remediation. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while applying the necessary vendor patches to address the underlying validation flaw. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms and input validation in enterprise collaboration platforms, where the compromise of deployment functionalities can have far-reaching consequences for business operations and network security.