CVE-2014-0686 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (aka Unified CM) 9.1 (2.10000.28) and earlier allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging incorrect file permissions, aka Bug IDs CSCul24917 and CSCul24908.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2021
Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 9.1 (2.10000.28) and earlier versions contain a privilege escalation vulnerability that stems from improper file permissions within the system architecture. This vulnerability affects the core communication platform that manages voice, video, and messaging services in enterprise environments, making it particularly critical for organizations relying on unified communications infrastructure. The flaw specifically manifests in the way the system handles file access controls, where certain critical files are configured with overly permissive permissions that allow local users to manipulate system resources beyond their intended access levels. The vulnerability is catalogued under multiple bug identifiers including CSCul24917 and CSCul24908, which indicates the complexity and severity of the permission misconfiguration affecting multiple system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves local users exploiting weak file permission settings to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative access. This occurs because the system fails to properly enforce access controls on sensitive configuration files, log files, and system binaries that should only be accessible to privileged users or system processes. Attackers can leverage this flaw by identifying files with incorrect permissions and either modifying them directly or using them as attack vectors to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses situations where system resources are assigned improper access controls that could allow unauthorized privilege escalation. This weakness represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that is essential for secure system design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the Unified Communications Manager system. Once local users achieve administrative privileges, they can modify critical system configurations, access sensitive communication data, manipulate user accounts, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that depend on Cisco Unified CM for their voice and collaboration services, potentially compromising the integrity of their entire communication ecosystem. This threat is particularly concerning because the Unified Communications Manager typically operates within corporate networks where it has access to sensitive business communications and can serve as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by its local nature, as it requires minimal network access to exploit, making it accessible to insiders or attackers who have already gained a foothold within the local network environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address the specific file permission issues identified in the vulnerability. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of file permissions across all Unified Communications Manager installations to identify and correct any improper access controls that could be exploited. The remediation process should involve reviewing and tightening permissions on critical system files, ensuring that only authorized processes and users can access sensitive resources. Additionally, implementing proper monitoring and logging mechanisms can help detect unauthorized access attempts or privilege escalation activities. Organizations should also consider network segmentation strategies to limit local access to critical systems and reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and adherence to security best practices as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, which specifically addresses methods used to gain higher-level privileges through system weaknesses. The mitigation approach should follow the principle of least privilege enforcement and maintain regular vulnerability assessment schedules to identify and address similar permission-related issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.