CVE-2014-0682 in WebEx Meetings Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco WebEx Meetings Server allows remote authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and (1) join arbitrary meetings, or (2) terminate a meeting without having a host role, via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCuj42346.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0682 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server that enables remote authenticated attackers to manipulate meeting sessions without proper credentials or roles. This vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of meeting access controls and session management mechanisms, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on WebEx for collaborative meetings and video conferencing. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user permissions within the server's URL processing logic, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted URLs that circumvent normal authorization procedures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and requires only authentication to access the system, making it accessible to users who should not possess administrative or host-level privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of URL parameters that control meeting access and session management within the WebEx Meetings Server environment. When a user submits a crafted URL to the server, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting user possesses the necessary permissions to perform the requested action. This flaw typically manifests when the server processes meeting identifiers and access tokens without adequately verifying the user's role or authorization level, allowing unauthorized users to assume host privileges or access meetings they should not be able to join. The vulnerability can be exploited through various meeting-related operations including joining meetings as a host, terminating meetings, or accessing restricted meeting features. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in authorization mechanisms, specifically categorized under CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which falls within the broader category of access control vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0682 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential for significant disruption and data compromise within organizations using Cisco WebEx services. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to join confidential meetings without authorization, potentially gaining access to sensitive business information, strategic discussions, or proprietary data shared during meetings. The ability to terminate meetings without proper authorization creates additional operational risks, as malicious users could disrupt business continuity by ending critical sessions or meetings at inopportune times. This vulnerability also poses risks to meeting integrity and security, as unauthorized users might be able to manipulate meeting settings, access participant lists, or interfere with meeting proceedings. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where WebEx is used for high-level strategic discussions, client presentations, or sensitive internal communications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates that address the authorization bypass issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the WebEx Meetings Server to unauthorized users. Regular monitoring of meeting access logs and session management activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls and review existing user permission settings to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to host-level meeting functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as attackers might use compromised credentials to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual URL patterns or access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched environment to ensure that the authorization mechanisms function correctly and that legitimate users can still access meetings with appropriate permissions.