CVE-2014-0723 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the IP Manager Assistant (IPMA) interface in Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCum05343.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0723 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager's IP Manager Assistant interface, a component designed to facilitate network management and configuration tasks within enterprise communication systems. This vulnerability resides in the web-based administrative interface that allows network administrators to manage IP phone configurations, device settings, and communication protocols. The flaw specifically affects the IPMA component which serves as a bridge between the graphical user interface and the underlying communication infrastructure, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise enterprise communication networks.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the IPMA interface's URL parameter handling mechanisms. When the system processes user-supplied URLs containing malicious script code, it fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable web content. This weakness allows attackers to craft specially formatted URLs that, when clicked by an authenticated user with appropriate privileges, execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the malicious payload is delivered through a web-based interface that users frequently interact with during routine administrative tasks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the enterprise network. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code in the context of an authenticated user's session, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration data, device management capabilities, or even escalating privileges within the communication infrastructure. The vulnerability affects Cisco Unified Communications Manager versions prior to 9.1 and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on these systems for critical communication services. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only a single click on a malicious URL, making it susceptible to social engineering campaigns that could target network administrators or other privileged users.
Cisco's vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The attack pattern follows standard XSS methodologies documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of web application attacks, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code in the victim's browser. Organizations implementing mitigation strategies should focus on input validation and output encoding mechanisms, as recommended by NIST SP 800-161, which provides guidance on securing web applications against injection attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege in network management systems, as the ability to inject code through a web interface could potentially allow attackers to escalate their privileges within the communication infrastructure. Remediation efforts should include applying Cisco's security patches, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of web-based management interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.