CVE-2016-1300 in Unity Connection
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Cisco Unity Connection (UC) 10.5(2.3009) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCux82582.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1300 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Unity Connection version 10.5(2.3009) that exposes organizations to significant web application security risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the Cisco Unity Connection system, which serves as a unified communications platform integrating voice mail, fax, and messaging services. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser through manipulation of URL parameters, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution and potential data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Cisco Unity Connection web interface. When users navigate to a specially crafted URL containing malicious script payloads, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. This failure creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed within the browser context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the communication platform. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes URL parameters without sufficient sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the targeted organization's communication infrastructure. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive voice mail messages, manipulate user accounts, or establish persistent access to the Unity Connection system. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can leverage this flaw from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the network or system. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations that rely heavily on unified communications systems for business operations, as compromise of the Unity Connection platform could disrupt critical communication channels and expose confidential information stored within the system.
Organizations affected by CVE-2016-1300 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Cisco, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious traffic, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their communication infrastructure. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security weakness, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security training for users to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering vectors that might accompany such attacks.