CVE-2015-4262 in Unified MeetingPlace Web Conferencing
Summary
by MITRE
The password-change feature in Cisco Unified MeetingPlace Web Conferencing 8.5 before 8.5(5) MR3 and 8.6 before 8.6(2) does not check the session ID or require entry of the current password, which allows remote attackers to reset arbitrary passwords via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuu51839.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4262 affects Cisco Unified MeetingPlace Web Conferencing versions prior to specific maintenance releases, presenting a critical security flaw in the password reset functionality. This weakness stems from inadequate session validation and authentication checks within the web conferencing platform's user management system. The vulnerability specifically targets the password change mechanism, which fails to properly verify session identifiers or require existing password confirmation before executing password modifications. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious HTTP requests that manipulate the password reset process without proper authorization, enabling them to reset arbitrary user accounts to predetermined passwords.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic authentication bypass weakness that aligns with CWE-305 authentication bypass and CWE-307 improper authentication practices. The flaw exists in the web application layer where the system should enforce session validation and current password verification before allowing password modifications. Without proper session ID checking, the system cannot confirm that the request originates from an authenticated user session, while the absence of current password requirement removes a fundamental security control that prevents unauthorized password changes. This vulnerability operates at the application logic level and represents a failure in implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4262 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise multiple user accounts within the Cisco Unified MeetingPlace environment. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to conference systems, potentially leading to unauthorized meeting participation, data interception, and disruption of business communications. The attack vector requires only network access to the web conferencing system and does not necessitate physical access or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems handle sensitive business communications and confidential data exchanges. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the unified communications infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-supplied patches and updates for Cisco Unified MeetingPlace Web Conferencing systems. Organizations should ensure that all affected systems are upgraded to the minimum recommended versions 8.5(5) MR3 and 8.6(2) or later. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including firewall restrictions on web conferencing ports, intrusion detection system monitoring for suspicious HTTP request patterns, and regular security audits of user account management processes. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched systems to ensure that legitimate password change functionality remains operational while the vulnerability is eliminated. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of other Cisco products in their environment to identify similar authentication bypass weaknesses and implement the ATT&CK framework's defensive measures against credential access and privilege escalation techniques.