CVE-2016-1317 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Unified Communications Manager 11.5(0.98000.480) allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive database table-name and entity-name information via a direct request to an unspecified URL, aka Bug ID CSCuy11098.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
This vulnerability exists within Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 11.5(0.98000.480) and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that enables remote authenticated attackers to extract database table-name and entity-name information through direct URL requests. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the web interface components of the unified communications platform. Attackers who have already established legitimate authentication credentials can exploit this weakness to gather structural information about the underlying database schema, which provides valuable intelligence for potential further exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper authorization checks on specific web endpoints that handle database metadata requests. When authenticated users make direct requests to unspecified URLs within the application's web interface, the system fails to properly validate the request context and user permissions. This oversight allows the system to return database table names and entity names without adequate protection, effectively exposing internal database architecture information to authenticated users who should not have access to such detailed structural data. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the existing authentication mechanism to escalate information disclosure capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with critical database schema information that can significantly aid in subsequent attack phases. An attacker with access to this information can better understand the database structure, identify potential weak points, and plan more sophisticated attacks such as SQL injection attempts or data manipulation operations. The exposure of table names and entity names creates a reconnaissance advantage for threat actors, as this information can be used to craft more targeted attacks against the unified communications infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Cisco Unified Communications Manager for their voice and collaboration services.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates that address this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the scope of authenticated users who can access potentially sensitive web interfaces. Implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual URL access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for "Data from Information Repositories" in the context of information gathering activities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities within the unified communications infrastructure.