CVE-2013-6960 in WebEx Meeting Center
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Cisco WebEx Meeting Center allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCul36248.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6960 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco WebEx Meeting Center, a widely deployed web conferencing platform that facilitates online meetings and collaboration. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user-supplied input within URL parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts and HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient validation and sanitization of URL parameters, which are processed without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms that would prevent malicious input from being interpreted as executable code. The vulnerability was documented under Bug ID CSCul36248, indicating its recognition within Cisco's internal tracking systems and highlighting the severity of the issue in enterprise collaboration environments where WebEx is extensively utilized.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious URLs containing specially formatted script code within the URL parameters that are then processed by the WebEx Meeting Center application. When authenticated users click on these crafted links, the malicious scripts execute within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely through URL manipulation without requiring any special privileges or access to the underlying system, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The XSS flaw stems from the application's failure to properly encode or sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6960 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session fixation, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the WebEx environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions such as creating new meetings, modifying existing configurations, or accessing sensitive meeting data. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on WebEx for business continuity and collaboration, potentially compromising sensitive corporate communications and intellectual property. Given that WebEx is commonly used in enterprise settings for critical business operations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The attack surface is particularly broad as the vulnerability can be exploited through various communication channels including email, instant messaging, and web-based collaboration tools where WebEx links might be shared.
Organizations affected by CVE-2013-6960 should implement immediate mitigations including applying Cisco's official security patches and updates, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious URL parameters, and conducting thorough security assessments of WebEx configurations. Network administrators should also consider implementing URL filtering mechanisms and educating users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links containing WebEx meeting parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to serious security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication, credential access, and privilege escalation through web-based attacks, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams responsible for protecting against advanced persistent threats and insider risks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.