CVE-2014-0721 in Unified SIP Phone
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Unified SIP Phone 3905 with firmware before 9.4(1) allows remote attackers to obtain root access via a session on the test interface on TCP port 7870, aka Bug ID CSCuh75574.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0721 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Unified SIP Phone 3905 devices running firmware versions prior to 9.4(1). This issue exposes a test interface that remains accessible over the network without proper authentication mechanisms, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors seeking unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects TCP port 7870 which serves as an entry point for remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where such devices are deployed.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate access controls on the phone's test interface functionality. When the test interface is enabled, it provides direct access to underlying system commands and administrative functions that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to establish a session on port 7870 without requiring authentication credentials, effectively bypassing the device's normal security controls. This unauthenticated access enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, fundamentally compromising the device's integrity and confidentiality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected phones. Once root access is obtained, attackers can modify device configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the compromised devices as stepping stones for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these phones may be connected to critical network segments or used in conjunction with other security-sensitive systems. The vulnerability also affects the device's ability to maintain secure communications and can lead to data breaches or service disruptions.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference that allows unauthorized access to privileged functions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1072 for application deployment, T1566 for credential harvesting, and T1059 for command and script execution. The security implications extend to the broader category of network device vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain persistent access to enterprise networks, making this a critical concern for organizations implementing zero-trust security models. Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability and consider network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts on port 7870 and implementing network access controls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.