CVE-2014-9563 in OpenScape
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in the web-based management (WBM) interface in Unify (former Siemens) OpenStage SIP and OpenScape Desk Phone IP V3 devices before R3.32.0 allows remote authenticated users to modify the root password and consequently access the debug port using the serial interface via the ssh-password parameter to page.cmd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
The CVE-2014-9563 vulnerability represents a critical CRLF injection flaw within the web-based management interface of Unify OpenStage SIP and OpenScape Desk Phone IP V3 devices. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to R3.32.0 and operates through the web-based management system that controls these telephony devices. The flaw resides in how the system processes input parameters, particularly the ssh-password parameter within the page.cmd interface, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that extends far beyond simple web interface manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the device's web interface processing logic. When authenticated users submit requests containing crafted CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) sequences through the ssh-password parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into system commands or configuration updates. This injection occurs at the point where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into command execution contexts without proper escaping or encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-117, which describes improper output neutralization for logs, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in input validation and command injection prevention. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate system behavior by injecting malicious sequences that can alter critical device configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to critical system functions. Successful exploitation allows remote authenticated users to modify the root password, which subsequently grants access to the device's debug port through the serial interface via SSH. This creates a complete compromise of the device's security posture, as attackers can bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain low-level system access. The vulnerability essentially transforms a web interface attack vector into a full system compromise, enabling attackers to potentially access sensitive configuration data, modify device behavior, or establish persistent access points. The attack chain begins with authenticated access to the web interface and culminates in complete device control, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in enterprise telephony environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading affected devices to firmware versions R3.32.0 or later, which contain the necessary input validation patches. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous access patterns or configuration changes. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to modify system credentials and gain elevated privileges. Additionally, the attack pattern aligns with T1566 related to credential harvesting and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the multi-stage nature of exploitation. Device administrators should also implement regular security audits, disable unnecessary services, and maintain detailed logs of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input validation in web applications and the critical need for proper parameter sanitization in embedded systems that handle user-supplied data in command contexts.