CVE-2015-0725 in Videoscape Distribution Suite Service Broker
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Videoscape Distribution Suite Service Broker (aka VDS-SB), when a VDSM configuration on UCS is used, and Videoscape Distribution Suite for Internet Streaming (aka VDS-IS or CDS-IS) before 3.3.1 R7 and 4.x before 4.0.0 R4 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reload) via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug IDs CSCus79834 and CSCuu63409.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0725 affects Cisco Videoscape Distribution Suite Service Broker components within UCS environments, representing a significant denial of service risk that can compromise streaming infrastructure operations. This flaw specifically impacts the VDSM configuration when integrated with VDS-IS or CDS-IS systems running versions prior to 3.3.1 R7 and 4.x before 4.0.0 R4, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted HTTP requests that ultimately result in device reloads and service disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the HTTP request processing mechanisms of the affected Cisco products, allowing malicious actors to construct specific HTTP payloads that trigger unexpected behavior in the service broker component. This weakness falls under CWE-129, Input Validation, and more specifically aligns with CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming HTTP requests before processing them. The vulnerability enables an attacker to manipulate the system's normal operation through crafted request parameters, leading to a cascading failure that forces the device to reload its services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can disrupt streaming operations for content delivery networks and media distribution platforms that rely on Cisco's VideoScape suite for internet streaming services. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause complete service outages requiring manual intervention to restore system functionality, potentially affecting thousands of end users who depend on uninterrupted streaming services. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only remote access via HTTP, making it easily exploitable from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication or privileged access.
Organizations utilizing affected Cisco VideoScape Distribution Suite configurations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, Endpoint Denial of Service, where adversaries target system resources to prevent or disrupt normal operations. Additionally, this weakness can be addressed through proper input validation controls, implementing web application firewalls, and establishing robust network monitoring protocols to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through multiple software releases including updates to the VDS-IS and CDS-IS components, requiring organizations to upgrade to versions 3.3.1 R7 or later for 3.x releases and 4.0.0 R4 or later for 4.x releases to achieve full remediation. The fix involves enhanced HTTP request validation mechanisms that properly sanitize and validate incoming requests before processing them within the service broker component, preventing the exploitation scenario that leads to device reloads and service disruption.