CVE-2014-0666 in Jabber
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Send Screen Capture implementation in Cisco Jabber 9.2(.1) and earlier on Windows allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary types of files, and consequently execute arbitrary code, via modified packets, aka Bug ID CSCug48056.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0666 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Cisco Jabber's screen capture functionality on Windows platforms. This issue affects versions 9.2 and earlier, specifically targeting the implementation that handles screen capture uploads. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within the application's network communication layer. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially modified packets that manipulate the file upload process, allowing them to bypass normal security restrictions and write files to arbitrary locations on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure handling of file paths during screen capture transmission. When Cisco Jabber processes incoming screen capture data, it fails to properly sanitize the file paths contained within the packet payloads. This deficiency creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious path sequences that traverse directory structures beyond the intended upload location. The vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal attacks, where an attacker can access files and directories outside the intended scope through manipulation of input data. The attack vector requires remote network access and does not necessitate authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Jabber clients may be exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it enables complete arbitrary code execution on affected systems. Once an attacker successfully exploits the directory traversal flaw, they can upload malicious executables or scripts to critical system locations, potentially gaining full control over the compromised machine. This capability allows for persistent access, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects not only individual endpoints but also represents a significant risk to enterprise communication systems, as Jabber clients often maintain connections to internal networks and may have elevated privileges. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker intercepting network traffic or positioning themselves within the network to manipulate packets during screen capture sessions, leveraging the application's trust in legitimate network communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0666 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco Jabber versions, with organizations upgrading to versions that address the directory traversal implementation flaws. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help reduce exposure by limiting access to Jabber services from untrusted networks, though this approach does not fully address the vulnerability within the application itself. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file upload patterns or network traffic anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify malformed packets containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling screen capture functionality entirely if it is not essential for business operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper path handling in client applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, where malicious code execution occurs through compromised client applications. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments of communication applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities that may exist in other enterprise tools.