CVE-2015-0683 in Unified Communications Domain Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager 8.1(4) allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via a file-inclusion attack, aka Bug ID CSCup94744.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0683 affects Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager version 8.1(4) and represents a critical file inclusion flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive system information. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the communications platform, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Cisco's unified communications infrastructure. The flaw specifically manifests as an insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's file handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include crafted file paths or references, potentially allowing them to read system files, configuration data, or other sensitive information stored within the application's file system. The vulnerability operates through a path traversal attack vector where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it to access files or resources. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive data that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, the vulnerability allows for reconnaissance activities that could reveal system configurations, user data, or other confidential information. This information could then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks or to identify additional vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected system serves as a domain manager for unified communications, potentially providing access to voice, video, and data communication systems that are critical to business operations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates, which address the input validation flaws in the web interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web applications that handle file operations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the unified communications infrastructure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive security testing and validation of web-based management interfaces, particularly in enterprise communication systems where unauthorized access could have significant operational and security implications.