CVE-2015-4271 in TelePresence TC
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence TC before 7.3.4 on Integrator C devices allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via vectors involving multiple request parameters, aka Bug ID CSCuv00604.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4271 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting Cisco TelePresence TC devices running software versions prior to 7.3.4 on Integrator C platforms. This issue stems from insufficient validation of multiple request parameters within the device's authentication mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent the system's security controls without proper credentials. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication flow within the TelePresence management interface, where the device fails to properly verify the integrity of incoming requests that contain multiple parameters. This weakness allows attackers to construct malicious requests that appear legitimate to the system while actually bypassing the authentication process entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of parameter handling flaws within the device's web interface authentication subsystem. Attackers can manipulate multiple request parameters simultaneously to create forged authentication requests that the system accepts as valid. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-287 category of Improper Authentication, specifically addressing weak or missing authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the device's trust in parameter combinations that should be validated more rigorously. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution capabilities, as authentication bypass often serves as a prerequisite for more severe attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4271 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential full system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges on the affected TelePresence device, enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive video conferencing data, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials, and T1566.001 which involves spearphishing with links. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that deploy these systems in unsecured environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including prompt firmware updates to version 7.3.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass mechanism. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate TelePresence devices from critical network segments, and access controls should be strengthened through the implementation of multi-factor authentication where possible. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass opportunities in other networked devices and applications.