CVE-2016-1331 in Emergency Responder
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Cisco Emergency Responder 11.5(0.99833.5) allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified parameters, aka Bug ID CSCuy10766.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
Cisco Emergency Responder version 11.5(0.99833.5) contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. These vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's web interface components. The unspecified parameters that facilitate these attacks suggest that the vulnerability exists across multiple entry points within the application's user interface, potentially affecting various administrative and operational functions. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious code that can be executed when legitimate users view affected pages, creating a persistent threat vector for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation. This vulnerability type falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-connected attacker. The impact extends beyond simple script injection as these vulnerabilities can be leveraged to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for spearphishing with attachments, as attackers can use these XSS flaws to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the application's defense-in-depth mechanisms, particularly concerning input sanitization and output encoding practices. The affected version demonstrates a lack of proper web application security controls that should be implemented according to OWASP Top Ten standards. Organizations utilizing Cisco Emergency Responder must prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Cisco, as the vulnerability exposes the system to persistent and potentially devastating attacks. The nature of XSS vulnerabilities in web applications makes them particularly dangerous when combined with other attack vectors, as they can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Security teams should implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish network segmentation to limit the impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other enterprise applications. Cisco has addressed this issue through security updates and patches that correct the input validation mechanisms and implement proper output encoding to prevent malicious script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional protective measures against similar vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly for applications handling sensitive emergency response data that may be targeted by nation-state actors or organized cybercriminal groups.