CVE-2015-4303 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) X8.5.2 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands in the context of the nobody user account via an unspecified web-page parameter, aka Bug ID CSCuv12333.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-4303 represents a critical command injection flaw within Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server version X8.5.2. This security weakness affects the web-based management interface of the VCS system, which is commonly deployed in enterprise video conferencing environments to manage communication infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically resides in how the system processes web-page parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an insufficient input validation mechanism within the web interface components of the VCS software. When authenticated users interact with specific web pages, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied parameters before processing them. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious commands that are then executed within the context of the nobody user account, which typically represents a low-privilege system user with minimal access rights. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires prior authentication, meaning an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the network infrastructure. Since the commands execute under the nobody user account, attackers can potentially leverage this initial access to gather system information, modify configurations, or establish persistent access points. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Cisco VCS for video communication, as these systems often serve as central points for managing enterprise communications and may contain sensitive network topology information. The compromised system could become a launching point for lateral movement attacks within the network, making it a significant concern for security teams managing video conferencing infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco, which address the specific command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and improper validation of critical input respectively. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command execution and privilege escalation, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access and conduct reconnaissance activities. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments of telepresence systems, and ensuring proper credential management practices to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to authenticated interfaces.