CVE-2016-1304 in Unity Connection
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Cisco Unity Connection 10.5(2.3009) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted value, aka Bug ID CSCux82596.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1304 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Cisco Unity Connection version 10.5(2.3009). This security weakness resides within the web-based management interface of the Cisco Unity Connection system, which is designed to provide unified communications services including voicemail, email, and messaging capabilities. The affected system operates as a central communication hub for enterprise environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input data, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Cisco Unity Connection web interface. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code or HTML elements and submits it through a vulnerable input field, the system processes this data without adequate sanitization. This processing failure allows the malicious content to be executed within the browser context of authenticated users who view the affected page. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting in software systems, where improper validation of input leads to script execution in user browsers. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it operates over a remote network connection, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where the system may be accessible from untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify content displayed to legitimate users, or even execute commands on behalf of the affected system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the communication system, potentially allowing unauthorized access to voicemail messages, user credentials, and other sensitive information stored within the Unity Connection environment. Given that this system typically handles business-critical communication data, the compromise of such a platform could result in significant operational disruption, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations that may impact enterprise security posture and reputation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco, which would address the input validation gaps in the web interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the Unity Connection system to untrusted networks, while web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against malicious script injection attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous user behavior and unusual input patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of communication infrastructure systems, as outlined in industry best practices for secure application development and deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and input sanitization measures as part of their defensive strategies, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that address web application exploitation and credential access through client-side attacks.