CVE-2014-3363 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web framework in Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM) 9.1(2.10000.28) allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an unspecified parameter, aka Bug ID CSCuq68443.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3363 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 9.1(2.10000.28) web framework component. This security weakness specifically affects the authentication mechanisms of the unified communications platform, where authenticated users can exploit the vulnerability to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the application's web interface. The flaw resides in an unspecified parameter handling mechanism that fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within the web application's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already gained legitimate credentials can leverage this weakness to compromise other users within the same system. Cisco has assigned the internal bug identifier CSCuq68443 to track this specific vulnerability, indicating its classification within the company's internal vulnerability management system.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the UCM web interface components. When authenticated users submit data through the affected parameter, the system fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code by web browsers. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the application. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, where improper sanitization of user-supplied data creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code. The attack vector is classified as network-based since the exploitation occurs through the web interface without requiring physical access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains within the unified communications environment. An attacker with valid credentials could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive call data, intercept communications, or establish persistent backdoors within the organization's voice and video communication infrastructure. The affected Cisco Unified Communications Manager platform serves as a central hub for enterprise communication systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could compromise the entire unified communications ecosystem. Organizations relying on this platform for business-critical communications may face significant operational disruptions, regulatory compliance issues, and potential data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers Scripting through web shells, and T1566 which encompasses spearphishing attacks that could leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3363 should prioritize immediate implementation of Cisco's security patches and updates to address the specific vulnerability in the UCM web framework. Organizations must ensure that all authenticated users are properly managed through strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the unified communications infrastructure. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of implementing robust input validation frameworks and output encoding practices in all web applications, aligning with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing injection vulnerabilities in enterprise communication systems.