CVE-2014-2163 in TelePresence TC
Summary
by MITRE
The SIP implementation in Cisco TelePresence TC Software 4.x and 5.x and TE Software 4.x allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via crafted SIP packets, aka Bug ID CSCua64961.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2163 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Session Initiation Protocol implementation of Cisco TelePresence systems. This weakness affects Cisco TelePresence TC Software versions 4.x and 5.x, as well as TE Software versions 4.x, creating a significant operational risk for organizations relying on these communication platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the SIP processing stack, specifically when handling malformed or crafted SIP packets that exploit buffer handling inconsistencies. The flaw manifests when the system encounters specially constructed SIP messages that trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions, ultimately leading to complete system reboot cycles.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, covering buffer overflow vulnerabilities in heap-based memory structures. The attack vector operates through the network layer where remote adversaries can transmit malicious SIP packets without requiring authentication or privileged access. The implementation flaw occurs during the parsing and processing of SIP message headers and body content, where the software fails to properly validate the length and structure of incoming packet data. This allows attackers to craft packets that exceed expected buffer boundaries or manipulate internal state variables, causing the system to enter an unstable condition that results in automatic device reload operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to significant business continuity issues for organizations relying on TelePresence communications. The denial of service condition forces complete system restarts, potentially interrupting critical video conferencing sessions, business meetings, and collaborative operations. In enterprise environments where these systems serve as primary communication infrastructure, such disruptions can cascade into broader operational delays and productivity losses. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can initiate attacks from external networks without requiring physical access or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate TelePresence systems from general network traffic, deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SIP packet patterns, and application of Cisco's security advisories and software patches. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1071.004, covering application layer protocols including SIP traffic. Administrative controls should include regular security assessments of telepresence systems, implementation of network access controls to limit SIP port exposure, and establishment of monitoring procedures to detect unusual reload patterns or network traffic anomalies. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing rate limiting mechanisms on SIP traffic and maintaining detailed audit logs of system restart events to facilitate forensic analysis and incident response activities.