CVE-2015-6352 in Unified Communications Domain Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager before 10.6(1) provides different error messages for pathname access attempts depending on whether the pathname exists, which allows remote attackers to map a filesystem via a series of requests, aka Bug ID CSCut67891.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6352 affects Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager versions prior to 10.6(1), representing a significant information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to perform file system mapping through carefully crafted requests. This issue stems from the application's inconsistent error handling behavior when processing pathname access attempts, creating a reconnaissance opportunity for adversaries seeking to understand the underlying file system structure. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the differing error messages returned by the system based on whether a requested path exists, thereby allowing attackers to infer the presence or absence of specific files and directories through iterative probing.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a path traversal information disclosure weakness that aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The system's inconsistent error responses create a timing-based reconnaissance mechanism where attackers can determine the existence of files and directories by observing the variations in error messages returned by the application. This behavior effectively transforms the normally restricted file system into a mapable entity through systematic request patterns that exploit the predictable response variations. The flaw exists in the application's input validation and error handling mechanisms, which fail to normalize error responses regardless of the existence status of requested paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with detailed insights into the target system's file structure and potentially sensitive directory layouts. This reconnaissance capability serves as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation attempts, data exfiltration, and further exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the system. Attackers can systematically map the file system hierarchy to identify critical configuration files, log directories, or potentially vulnerable application components. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or local system credentials, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is exposed to external traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, specifically targeting the Cisco Unified Communications Domain Manager 10.6(1) release or later versions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the affected application, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application can prevent the leakage of system information through error messages. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of pathname access attempts that may indicate reconnaissance activities. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure and applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under information gathering techniques, specifically within the reconnaissance phase where adversaries collect system information to inform subsequent attack vectors.