CVE-2013-6983 in Unified Presence Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the web interface in Cisco Unified Presence Server allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCuh35615.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The CVE-2013-6983 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Unified Presence Server's web interface, exposing organizations to significant remote execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the authentication handling mechanisms of the unified communication platform, where improperly sanitized user input in URL parameters creates an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database system. The flaw exists in the server's web interface processing logic, where user-supplied data from URL parameters is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials, making it a authenticated remote code execution vulnerability rather than a purely remote one. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing specially formatted SQL injection payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable server, result in unauthorized database access and potential command execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate authentication mechanisms of the system, making detection more challenging and allowing attackers to operate with elevated privileges within the network. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6983 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate communications data. Organizations utilizing Cisco Unified Presence Server become vulnerable to data exfiltration, unauthorized user account manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of presence information, which often includes sensitive communication patterns and user availability data that can be leveraged for social engineering attacks. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges and gain access to additional network resources through the database connections established by the vulnerable server, making this a vector for broader security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6983 should prioritize immediate patch application from Cisco, as the vendor released security advisories and patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected server and restrict URL parameter processing through web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary web interface access, implementing strict input validation for all URL parameters, and monitoring for unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security standards, particularly addressing the risk of injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent and dangerous security vulnerabilities in enterprise systems. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL query patterns and provide real-time alerts when suspicious database operations occur.