CVE-2013-6973 in WebEx Training Center
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco WebEx Training Center allows remote attackers to discover registration IDs via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCul57121.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6973 affects Cisco WebEx Training Center software, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive registration identifiers through manipulation of specially crafted uniform resource locators. This flaw resides within the web-based training platform's handling of URL parameters and registration processes, creating an avenue for unauthorized information gathering that could potentially lead to further exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the WebEx Training Center application. When users navigate to specifically crafted URLs containing manipulated registration ID parameters, the system fails to properly authenticate or restrict access to these identifiers, allowing attackers to extract registration information that should remain confidential. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes improper output sanitization and information exposure vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control where the application does not adequately verify user permissions before exposing sensitive data through URL-based interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as registration IDs represent critical components in the WebEx ecosystem that could facilitate additional attack vectors. Attackers who successfully extract these identifiers could potentially use them to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted training sessions, or conduct further reconnaissance activities against the organization's WebEx infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the network or system to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WebEx services are extensively used for training and collaboration. This weakness creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks and could enable adversaries to gain unauthorized access to confidential training materials or participant information.
Organizations utilizing Cisco WebEx Training Center should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the software, implementing proper URL parameter validation, and configuring access controls to prevent unauthorized exposure of registration identifiers. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious URL patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1212 which focuses on exploitation of software vulnerabilities for information gathering and privilege escalation. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their WebEx implementations to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their collaboration infrastructure and ensure comprehensive protection against information disclosure attacks.