CVE-2015-0680 in Unified Call Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Call Manager (CM) 9.1(2.1000.28) does not properly restrict resource requests, which allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuq44439.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
Cisco Unified Call Manager version 9.1(2.1000.28) contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from improper resource request restrictions within its file access mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests as an insufficient input validation flaw that permits authenticated remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors to read arbitrary files from the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which represents improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The specific bug identified as CSCuq44439 demonstrates how the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing file requests, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users submit crafted requests that manipulate file path parameters within the Unified CM application. The system does not adequately validate or sanitize these inputs, allowing attackers to construct malicious file paths that traverse directories outside of the intended scope. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship established with legitimate authenticated users, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal privileges to exploit. The vulnerability affects the core file access mechanisms of the call manager system, potentially exposing configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and other sensitive information that should remain protected within restricted directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0680 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence about the network infrastructure and potentially escalate their privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access system configuration files that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, or other sensitive parameters that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) as it allows adversaries to explore the file system and exploit weaknesses in publicly accessible applications. Organizations running affected Cisco Unified CM versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and violation of compliance requirements such as those outlined in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Cisco security updates, as the vendor has released patches specifically addressing this issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface and restrict access to the Unified CM system. Organizations should also deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and implement comprehensive logging of all file system operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the telecommunications infrastructure. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure system stability and prevent service disruptions. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping software updated and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.