CVE-2014-3338 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The CTIManager module in Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CM) 10.0(1), when single sign-on is enabled, does not properly validate Kerberos SSO tokens, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges and execute arbitrary commands via crafted token data, aka Bug ID CSCum95491.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3338 resides within the CTIManager module of Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 10.0(1), representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that exploits weaknesses in the Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation. This vulnerability specifically targets the Kerberos SSO token validation mechanism, which serves as a fundamental security control for user authentication within enterprise communication environments. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate Kerberos tokens, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate authentication data and escalate their privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects authenticated users who are already within the network perimeter, making it a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The issue is categorized under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication, specifically focusing on the failure to properly validate authentication tokens. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 which involves abuse of group privileges and privilege escalation through legitimate system tools and processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the CTIManager module's Kerberos token processing logic. When single sign-on is enabled, the system relies on Kerberos tokens to authenticate users and maintain session integrity, but the validation process contains a critical flaw that allows crafted token data to bypass security checks. Attackers can manipulate specific fields within the Kerberos token structure to create malicious payloads that are accepted by the system as legitimate authentication data. This flaw enables authenticated users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative access, providing them with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can be exploited to gain complete control over the Unified Communications Manager instance, potentially compromising the entire communication infrastructure. The exploitation requires minimal network access since the user is already authenticated, making this a particularly insidious threat vector that can be difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3338 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise communication environments that rely on Cisco Unified Communications Manager for their voice and collaboration infrastructure. Organizations using this vulnerable version of the software face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive communication data, potential disruption of critical business communications, and the possibility of complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core communication infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to intercept calls, manipulate communication sessions, or gain access to confidential business information. Security teams must recognize that this vulnerability can be exploited by insiders or external attackers who have gained initial access to the network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. The privilege escalation capability means that even low-privilege authenticated users could potentially gain administrative control over the entire communications platform, affecting not just individual user accounts but the entire system infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3338 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco Unified Communications Manager instances to version 10.0(1) or higher where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Unified Communications Manager systems and reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Disabling single sign-on functionality where possible can serve as an interim mitigation measure while patches are deployed, though this may impact user experience and system functionality. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or privilege escalation attempts within the communication infrastructure. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls and access restrictions for administrative functions within the Unified Communications Manager environment. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-287 emphasizes the need for robust authentication validation processes, while the ATT&CK mapping to T1548.002 highlights the importance of monitoring for privilege escalation activities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of affected software and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.