CVE-2014-4747 in Sametime
Summary
by MITRE
The Classic Meeting Server in IBM Sametime 8.x through 8.5.2.1 allows physically proximate attackers to discover a meeting password hash by leveraging access to an unattended workstation to read HTML source code within a victim s browser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-4747 represents a significant security weakness in IBM Sametime's Classic Meeting Server component that affects versions 8.x through 8.5.2.1. This issue stems from improper handling of meeting password security within the web interface, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers who have physical access to an unattended workstation. The vulnerability specifically targets the client-side presentation layer where meeting password information is exposed through HTML source code inspection, making it accessible to anyone with local access to the compromised system.
The technical flaw manifests when a user creates a meeting in IBM Sametime and the system stores the meeting password in a manner that exposes its hash value within the HTML source code of the browser window. This exposure occurs because the system does not properly sanitize or obfuscate the password information when rendering the meeting interface, allowing an attacker with physical proximity to examine the page source and extract the password hash. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal attack sophistication and relies on social engineering or opportunistic exploitation through unattended workstations. This weakness falls under the category of information exposure through web interfaces and aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password exposure, as it enables attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to confidential meetings and communications. When an attacker successfully extracts the password hash, they can attempt various attacks including password cracking, replay attacks, or using the hash in further exploitation attempts against the Sametime infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where meeting participants may leave their workstations unattended during meetings, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit this weakness without requiring network access or advanced technical skills. This scenario directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials in the context of valid accounts and access, and represents a significant privilege escalation vector for attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4747 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates for IBM Sametime versions affected by this vulnerability. Additionally, administrative controls should be implemented to enforce workstation security policies including automatic screen locking after periods of inactivity, mandatory workstation security training for employees, and strict policies governing meeting password handling. Technical controls should include browser security configurations that prevent HTML source code inspection of sensitive pages, network segmentation to limit access to meeting servers, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, particularly when dealing with authentication-related information in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for critical meetings and establishing robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this weakness.