CVE-2014-2169 in TelePresence TC
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence TC Software 4.x through 6.x before 6.2.0 and TE Software 4.x and 6.0 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands by using the commands as arguments to internal system scripts, aka Bug ID CSCue60211.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
Cisco TelePresence TC Software versions 4.x through 6.x before 6.2.0 and TE Software versions 4.x and 6.0 contain a critical command injection vulnerability that allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within internal system scripts that process user-supplied arguments without adequate sanitization or filtering mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the way these telepresence systems handle command-line arguments passed to internal scripts, creating an environment where maliciously crafted inputs can be interpreted and executed as system commands. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-77 and represents a significant security risk in video conferencing infrastructure deployments where unauthorized command execution could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insecure input handling within the TelePresence software stack where legitimate administrative commands are processed through internal script interfaces. When authenticated users submit specially crafted command arguments, these inputs bypass normal validation procedures and are directly passed to underlying system execution functions. The vulnerability manifests when the software fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided parameters before passing them to system calls, allowing attackers to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the affected service account. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and represents a classic path for privilege escalation and persistent access within networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution capabilities, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, modify configuration settings, and potentially establish backdoors within telepresence infrastructure. Organizations utilizing Cisco TelePresence systems in enterprise environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could allow attackers to compromise video conferencing capabilities, access internal network resources, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Cisco TelePresence products and versions, making it particularly concerning for large deployments where multiple system components may be vulnerable. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement and data exfiltration through compromised telepresence systems, especially in environments where these devices are connected to critical internal networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address this vulnerability, implementing network segmentation to limit access to telepresence systems, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns within affected deployments. Additional security controls such as input validation enforcement, privilege separation, and regular security assessments of telepresence infrastructure should be implemented to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all system interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address telepresence system compromises. Regular security awareness training for administrators and system operators can help identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access controls are maintained across telepresence deployments.