CVE-2015-4320 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Configuration Log File component in Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) Expressway X8.5.2 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading a log file, aka Bug ID CSCuv12340.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4320 affects the Configuration Log File component within Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server VCS Expressway version 8.5.2, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive system data. This vulnerability resides within the logging mechanisms of the video communication server platform, which is designed to facilitate secure video conferencing and communication services in enterprise environments. The issue stems from inadequate access controls and file permission configurations that allow authenticated users to traverse filesystem paths and read configuration log files containing sensitive operational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper authorization checks within the log file access mechanisms of the VCS Expressway system. When authenticated users interact with the system's configuration interfaces, they can exploit a path traversal or file access flaw that permits them to read log files containing system configuration details, user credentials, network information, and other sensitive operational data. This represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive log files containing system configuration parameters.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Cisco VCS Expressway for video communication services, as it can expose critical system information that attackers could leverage for further exploitation. The sensitive data accessible through this vulnerability may include system configuration parameters, user authentication details, network topology information, and potentially credentials used for system administration. Attackers could use this information to map the network infrastructure, identify potential attack vectors, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects organizations using the specific version 8.5.2 of the VCS Expressway software, which was part of Cisco's unified communication platform that serves enterprise customers requiring secure video conferencing solutions. This type of information disclosure can be particularly dangerous in environments where the VCS system manages sensitive corporate communications and where attackers might use the leaked information to conduct more sophisticated attacks.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and file permission configurations within the VCS Expressway system. Organizations should ensure that log files containing sensitive information are properly secured with appropriate access controls, and that authenticated users cannot traverse to arbitrary file locations within the system. Cisco released patches and updates to address this specific vulnerability, and organizations should implement these security updates as soon as possible. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the impact of such vulnerabilities by reducing the attack surface available to authenticated users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within network communication platforms, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework under the information gathering and credential access phases, where attackers can leverage such flaws to obtain system information that facilitates further compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive monitoring and logging of access attempts to sensitive system files to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for security investigations.