CVE-2014-0728 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Java database interface in Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) 10.0(1) and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCum05313.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0728 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager's Java database interface. This vulnerability affects Cisco UCM versions 10.0(1) and earlier, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Cisco's unified communications infrastructure. The flaw resides in how the system processes database queries through its Java-based interface, making it susceptible to malicious input manipulation that can bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted URLs that contain malicious SQL payloads designed to manipulate the underlying database queries. When the Java database interface processes these malformed URLs, it fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into SQL commands. This lack of input validation creates an attack surface where remote adversaries can inject arbitrary SQL code directly into the database layer, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the Java database interface component, which serves as a critical bridge between the application layer and the backend database storage, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to communication data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database system. This capability allows threat actors to manipulate, modify, or delete critical communication data including user credentials, call logs, voice mail messages, and other sensitive enterprise information. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the network or system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with remote workers or distributed communication networks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, potentially enabling privilege escalation and lateral movement throughout the unified communications environment.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official Cisco security patches and updates. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest software releases that contain fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability, along with implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database query patterns and suspicious URL access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers would need to identify and probe the vulnerable interface before executing their malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in their communication infrastructure.