CVE-2015-6414 in TelePresence Video Communication Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) X8.6 uses the same encryption key across different customers' installations, which makes it easier for local users to defeat cryptographic protection mechanisms by leveraging knowledge of a key from another installation, aka Bug ID CSCuw64516.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6414 affects Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server (VCS) running version X8.6 and represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic implementation that undermines the security posture of video communication systems. This flaw stems from the improper management of encryption keys where the same cryptographic key is deployed across multiple customer installations, creating a significant security risk that violates fundamental principles of cryptographic key management and isolation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the VCS X8.6 software platform and demonstrates a failure in the secure key distribution and management processes that should ensure each installation maintains its own unique cryptographic identity.
The technical flaw manifests through the hardcoded or shared cryptographic key mechanism that allows local users to exploit the system by obtaining knowledge of encryption keys from other installations. This weakness creates a scenario where an attacker with access to one customer's system can potentially decrypt communications or manipulate cryptographic protections on other systems using the same key. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-327, which addresses the use of insecure or weak cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-321, which covers the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys. The exploitation of this flaw enables attackers to bypass cryptographic protection mechanisms that are designed to secure video communication data, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive video conferencing communications and system configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness to encompass broader security implications for enterprise video communication infrastructure. Local users who gain access to one installation's key can potentially compromise multiple customer environments, creating a cascading security risk that affects the entire deployment ecosystem. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the VCS platform and exposes organizations to potential data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and system manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the VCS serves as a central communication hub for enterprise video conferencing, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise critical business communications. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers unsecured credentials, and T1552.004, which addresses credentials in files, as the shared key essentially functions as a credential that can be leveraged across multiple systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including the deployment of updated firmware versions that address the shared key implementation, along with comprehensive key rotation procedures across all installations. Security teams must conduct thorough assessments of their VCS deployments to identify systems using vulnerable software versions and ensure that cryptographic keys are properly managed and isolated per customer installation. The remediation process should include verification that each installation uses unique cryptographic keys and that the system's key management processes follow industry best practices for cryptographic key lifecycle management. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface for potential exploitation of this cryptographic weakness.