CVE-2015-0602 in Unified IP Phones 9900
Summary
by MITRE
The mobility extension on Cisco Unified IP 9900 phones with firmware 9.4(.1) and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network, aka Bug ID CSCuq12117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0602 affects Cisco Unified IP 9900 phones running firmware versions 9.4.1 and earlier, specifically within the mobility extension functionality. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive information through network sniffing activities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where voice communications are critical. The issue stems from insufficient cryptographic protection mechanisms within the mobility extension protocol, which is designed to facilitate seamless roaming capabilities for IP phones across wireless networks. The vulnerability exposes the phone's ability to transmit authentication credentials, session keys, and other confidential data in an unencrypted format during mobility transitions, creating an avenue for passive network monitoring attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the mobility extension's handling of wireless network association and authentication processes. When phones in the Cisco Unified Communications environment undergo mobility events such as roaming between access points, the mobility extension protocol exchanges critical information without adequate encryption or integrity protection. This weakness allows attackers positioned within the wireless network's broadcast domain to capture and analyze network traffic using standard packet sniffing tools. The flaw specifically impacts the way the phone manages its wireless association state and the transmission of mobility-related signaling messages, which contain sensitive data elements including authentication tokens and network configuration parameters. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard wireless network monitoring tools such as tcpdump or wireshark, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0602 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the enterprise network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully captures mobility extension traffic could potentially reconstruct authentication credentials, enabling unauthorized access to the phone system and potentially escalating privileges to gain access to other network resources. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of voice communications, as the mobility extension is designed to support seamless roaming while maintaining secure connections. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no active interaction from the target phone or user, making it a passive reconnaissance threat that can be exploited continuously while the device remains within range of the wireless network. Organizations using Cisco IP phones in mission-critical environments face significant risk of unauthorized surveillance and potential network compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in information systems, specifically focusing on the absence of proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive data transmission. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to leverage techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1041, network sniffing, and T1566, credential harvesting, to gain unauthorized access to network resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware upgrades to versions that address the cryptographic shortcomings in the mobility extension, network segmentation to isolate voice traffic, and enhanced monitoring of wireless network activity. The remediation process requires careful planning due to the critical nature of voice communications, as firmware updates may temporarily disrupt service during deployment. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing wireless intrusion detection systems and enhanced encryption protocols to protect against similar vulnerabilities in other network components. The incident underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and address cryptographic weaknesses in enterprise communication systems.