CVE-2014-2159 in TelePresence MXP
Summary
by MITRE
The H.225 subsystem in Cisco TelePresence System MXP Series Software before F9.3.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted packets, aka Bug ID CSCtq78722.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2159 resides within the H.225 subsystem of Cisco TelePresence System MXP Series Software, representing a critical denial of service weakness that can be exploited remotely by attackers. This flaw affects versions prior to F9.3.1 and was documented under Bug ID CSCtq78722, highlighting the specific nature of the vulnerability within Cisco's video conferencing infrastructure. The H.225 protocol serves as a crucial signaling protocol for multimedia communication systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise communication networks that rely on Cisco TelePresence solutions for critical business operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the H.225 subsystem's packet processing mechanisms. Attackers can craft specially formatted packets that, when processed by the affected software, trigger unexpected behavior leading to system instability. The flaw specifically manifests when the system encounters malformed or maliciously constructed H.225 signaling messages that are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers buffer overflows that can lead to memory corruption and system instability. The exploitation mechanism involves sending crafted packets that cause the system to enter an unrecoverable state, ultimately resulting in device reload or complete system reboot.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, potentially affecting mission-critical communication infrastructures that depend on continuous availability of TelePresence systems. Organizations utilizing Cisco MXP Series equipment face significant risk of unauthorized service interruption, which could compromise business continuity during important meetings, emergency communications, or collaborative sessions. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for distributed enterprise networks where TelePresence systems may be exposed to external network traffic. This vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks, and T1566.002, representing spearphishing through social engineering, as attackers may use this vulnerability to target specific organizations with targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2159 primarily focus on implementing the official Cisco software patches and updates released in version F9.3.1 and subsequent releases. Network administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of the patched software versions to protect their TelePresence infrastructure from exploitation. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous packet patterns and unusual traffic behavior can provide early warning indicators of attempted exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on known malicious packet signatures associated with this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of TelePresence systems can help identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that all security controls remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.