CVE-2015-0702 in Unified MeetingPlace
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the Custom Prompts upload implementation in Cisco Unified MeetingPlace 8.6(1.9) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by using the languageShortName parameter to upload a file that provides shell access, aka Bug ID CSCus95712.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0702 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within Cisco Unified MeetingPlace version 8.6(1.9) that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically targets the Custom Prompts upload functionality, which is designed to allow administrators to upload custom audio prompts for meeting participants. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate file types and content during the upload process, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the languageShortName parameter processing. When authenticated users submit files through the Custom Prompts upload interface, the system does not sufficiently verify the file extensions, content types, or file contents before storing and processing the uploaded files. This lack of proper validation allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be executed with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications to gain initial access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution on the Cisco Unified MeetingPlace server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Cisco Unified MeetingPlace for their collaboration infrastructure, potentially exposing sensitive meeting data, user credentials, and internal network resources to unauthorized access. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but this is often achievable through social engineering, credential stuffing, or other initial compromise techniques, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust file upload validation mechanisms and restricting upload permissions to only necessary administrative users. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates immediately, as Cisco has released fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent software versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of the affected system to only authorized users. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content filtering mechanisms can help detect and prevent malicious file uploads. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and file handling, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 security controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the unified communications infrastructure.