CVE-2015-4330 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
A local file script in Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) Expressway X8.5.2 allows local users to gain privileges for OS command execution via invalid parameters, aka Bug ID CSCuv10556.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4330 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) Expressway version 8.5.2. This issue resides in a local file script component that fails to properly validate input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious local users to execute arbitrary operating system commands with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the VCS Expressway environment, where insufficient parameter validation allows attackers to manipulate script execution flows and bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of invalid parameters within the local file script, which then processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This flaw falls under the category of command injection vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The vulnerability enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative access, allowing them to execute OS commands that would normally be restricted to privileged accounts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain full control over the affected system and potentially use it as a foothold for further lateral movement within network environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4330 extends beyond immediate privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the VCS Expressway system and its underlying operating environment. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in unified communications environments where VCS systems serve as critical infrastructure components for video conferencing and collaboration services. The ability to execute OS commands with elevated privileges enables attackers to modify system configurations, install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish backdoors for continued access. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers locally executed malicious code and T1548.001 which addresses abuse of privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4330 should focus on immediate patch application from Cisco, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation controls and parameter sanitization within all script components, particularly those handling user-provided data. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all VCS installations and ensure proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized local access to system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all inputs within system scripts and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of communication infrastructure components to prevent similar privilege escalation scenarios.