CVE-2015-4319 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
The password-change feature in the administrative web interface in Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) Expressway X8.5.1 improperly performs authorization, which allows remote authenticated users to reset arbitrary active-user passwords via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuv12338.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4319 represents a critical authorization flaw within the administrative web interface of Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) Expressway version 8.5.1. This issue specifically affects the password change functionality, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to manipulate user credentials without proper authorization. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized password resets for active user accounts. Security researchers have categorized this as a privilege escalation vulnerability that undermines the fundamental security controls of the system.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the password change feature failing to properly verify user permissions when processing password reset requests. An attacker who has gained legitimate authentication credentials can exploit this weakness to submit password reset requests for any active user account within the system. This improper authorization check creates a direct attack vector that bypasses normal access controls and user management protocols. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple methods including but not limited to direct web interface manipulation, API calls, or crafted HTTP requests that leverage the lack of proper session validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Cisco VCS Expressway for video communication services. The ability to reset arbitrary user passwords compromises the integrity of the authentication system and potentially provides attackers with persistent access to the communication infrastructure. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive video conferences, manipulate user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the network or system, making the exploitation more accessible and dangerous.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1531 for credential access through password manipulation. Organizations using affected Cisco VCS Expressway systems should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches released by Cisco, reviewing access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized password reset activities. Network segmentation and additional authentication layers can provide temporary protection while permanent fixes are implemented. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and the necessity of thorough security testing for administrative interfaces to prevent such authorization bypass scenarios that could compromise entire communication infrastructures.