CVE-2015-4221 in Unified Communications Manager IM
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Communications Manager IM and Presence Service 9.1(1) does not properly restrict access to encrypted passwords, which allows remote attackers to determine cleartext passwords, and consequently execute arbitrary commands, by visiting an unspecified web page and then conducting a decryption attack, aka Bug ID CSCuq46194.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4221 affects Cisco Unified Communications Manager IM and Presence Service version 9.1(1) and represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security of encrypted password storage mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and authorization framework of Cisco's unified communications platform, specifically targeting the handling of encrypted password data within the IM and Presence service components. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on encrypted password materials, creating an avenue for remote attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive credential information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic access controls within the web application layer of the Cisco Unified Communications Manager. When users interact with unspecified web pages within the system, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the decryption process and extract cleartext passwords from what should remain protected encrypted data. This weakness operates at the application layer and leverages improper input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate and authorize access to sensitive cryptographic materials. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and demonstrates how weak cryptographic access controls can lead to credential exposure and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating a severe risk landscape for organizations utilizing Cisco Unified Communications Manager. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can obtain cleartext passwords that may provide access to multiple system components, user accounts, and administrative functions within the communications infrastructure. The ability to execute arbitrary commands through compromised credentials represents a significant escalation from simple password exposure, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control, modify communication services, and establish persistent access to the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the unified communications environment, with potential cascading effects throughout enterprise network security posture.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected services, and conducting comprehensive credential rotation exercises. Security controls should focus on strengthening access restrictions for cryptographic materials, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices outlined in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, particularly controls related to access control and cryptographic protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for robust application security controls and proper cryptographic implementation practices to prevent unauthorized decryption and access to protected information.