CVE-2016-1308 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Cisco Unified Communications Manager 10.5(2.13900.9) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCux99227.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1308 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 10.5(2.13900.9). This security weakness specifically affects the web-based administrative interface of the unified communications platform, creating a pathway for remote attackers who have already established authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and execute malicious SQL commands. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The affected system processes URLs containing crafted parameters that bypass normal validation checks, allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations through carefully constructed malicious inputs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters within the web interface of Cisco Unified Communications Manager. When authenticated users submit specially crafted URLs containing SQL injection payloads, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before executing database queries. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the entire communication infrastructure managed by the unified communications system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive user information, modify system configurations, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the communication platform.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1308 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Cisco Unified Communications Manager for their voice and collaboration services. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate call routing, access voicemail systems, intercept communications, or disrupt business continuity. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the unified communications environment, potentially exposing sensitive corporate communications and user data. Organizations utilizing this version of Cisco Unified Communications Manager face significant risk of unauthorized access to their telephony infrastructure, which could result in financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have obtained valid user credentials can exploit this vulnerability without requiring additional privileges or complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1308 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Cisco, specifically addressing the identified SQL injection vulnerability in the web interface components of Unified Communications Manager version 10.5(2.13900.9). Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation controls and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications within their infrastructure. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, indicating that defensive measures should include both perimeter monitoring and internal database activity auditing. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other communication systems, particularly those involving database interactions and web-based management interfaces.