CVE-2014-4766 in Classic Meeting Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Sametime Classic Meeting Server 8.0.x and 8.5.x allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading an exported Record and Playback (RAP) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4766 affects IBM Sametime Classic Meeting Server versions 8.0.x and 8.5.x, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive data through manipulation of exported Record and Playback RAP files. This vulnerability resides within the server's handling of multimedia recording files that are typically used for meeting documentation and replay functionality. The security flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper access controls during the processing of these specific file formats, which contain metadata and potentially confidential meeting content that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the server's failure to properly sanitize or restrict access to RAP files that are generated during meetings and subsequently exported for later viewing. When these files are processed, the system does not adequately verify the integrity or authenticity of the file contents, allowing attackers to craft malicious RAP files or exploit existing file handling mechanisms to extract sensitive information. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Sametime for business communications and collaboration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as the compromised information could include meeting participants' identities, discussion content, and potentially confidential business communications that are typically protected within enterprise collaboration environments. Organizations utilizing this version of IBM Sametime may face significant security risks including intellectual property theft, competitive intelligence gathering, and potential compliance violations if sensitive meeting data is accessed by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability affects organizations across various sectors including finance, healthcare, and government, where meeting confidentiality is paramount and regulatory compliance requirements are stringent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of IBM's security patches and updates released for the affected versions of Sametime Classic Meeting Server. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Sametime server and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict file export permissions, implement proper access controls for meeting recordings, and conduct regular security assessments of collaboration platforms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity frameworks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to the technique T1005 - Data from Local System, where adversaries can access sensitive data through legitimate application interfaces that lack proper security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing data loss prevention measures and establishing secure file handling protocols for all collaborative platforms to prevent similar information disclosure incidents.