CVE-2014-3278 in Unified Communications Domain Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The web framework in VOSS in Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager (CDM) does not properly implement access control, which allows remote attackers to enumerate accounts by visiting an unspecified BVSMWeb web page, aka Bug IDs CSCun39619 and CSCun45572.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3278 resides within the web framework of Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager's VOSS component, specifically affecting the BVSMWeb web interface. This weakness represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of Cisco's unified communications infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests through improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the web application layer, creating an exploitable condition that enables unauthorized enumeration of user accounts. The affected system operates within the broader Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager ecosystem, which serves as a central management platform for telecommunications infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on Cisco's unified communications solutions.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of user permissions and authentication states within the BVSMWeb interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing unspecified web pages within the BVSMWeb application without proper authorization, allowing them to discover valid user accounts through account enumeration techniques. This improper access control implementation violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that adversaries can leverage to build comprehensive user account profiles. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the web framework's session management and authorization controls, which are critical components for maintaining system integrity and user privacy. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in access control mechanisms, specifically CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3278 extends beyond simple account enumeration, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can facilitate subsequent exploitation attempts. Once valid account information is obtained, adversaries can potentially escalate their attacks through credential brute force, password spraying, or social engineering campaigns targeting discovered users. The vulnerability affects the Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager's ability to maintain secure user authentication, potentially compromising the entire telecommunications infrastructure managed by this platform. Organizations utilizing this system face increased risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential network compromise, particularly in environments where the CDM serves as a central management point for voice and video communications. The impact is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability enables passive reconnaissance rather than active exploitation, allowing attackers to gather intelligence without triggering obvious security alerts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3278 should focus on implementing proper access control measures within the web framework and applying Cisco's security patches as released through their official advisory process. Organizations must ensure that all web application components enforce strict authentication and authorization checks, implementing role-based access controls that prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to BVSMWeb interfaces to authorized administrative networks only, while also implementing robust logging and monitoring capabilities to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include immediate patch deployment from Cisco, along with comprehensive security configuration reviews of the affected systems. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as multi-factor authentication for administrative access, regular security assessments, and continuous monitoring of web application traffic for suspicious activity patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access, emphasizing the importance of proper access control implementation in preventing unauthorized system access.