CVE-2016-1387 in TelePresence Codde
Summary
by MITRE
The XML API in TelePresence Codec (TC) 7.2.0, 7.2.1, 7.3.0, 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.3, 7.3.4, and 7.3.5 and Collaboration Endpoint (CE) 8.0.0, 8.0.1, and 8.1.0 in Cisco TelePresence Software mishandles authentication, which allows remote attackers to execute control commands or make configuration changes via an API request, aka Bug ID CSCuz26935.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1387 affects Cisco TelePresence Codec and Collaboration Endpoint software versions, specifically targeting the XML API implementation that handles authentication mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in enterprise communication systems that are widely deployed in corporate environments, government agencies, and healthcare institutions where secure video conferencing is essential. The affected software versions include TC 7.2.0 through 7.3.5 and CE 8.0.0 through 8.1.0, indicating a broad impact across multiple releases of Cisco's telepresence solutions. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication handling within the XML API, which creates a pathway for unauthorized remote execution of administrative commands.
The technical flaw manifests in the XML API's failure to properly validate authentication credentials when processing incoming requests. This authentication bypass vulnerability allows malicious actors to submit API requests without proper authorization, enabling them to execute control commands and modify system configurations. The vulnerability specifically affects the XML-based interface that administrators and authorized users typically employ to manage telepresence systems, making it particularly dangerous as it provides access to core system functionality. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform actions such as changing system settings, accessing restricted information, or potentially disrupting communication services entirely. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no local access or physical presence, making it highly exploitable from remote locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of critical communication services. Organizations relying on Cisco TelePresence systems for business continuity, remote collaboration, and secure video conferencing face significant risk when this vulnerability exists in their environment. The ability to execute control commands remotely means attackers could disable security features, modify user access permissions, or even cause system instability that would require costly recovery procedures. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprises where telepresence systems are integrated into broader network infrastructures, as it could serve as a foothold for further attacks or lateral movement within the organization's network. The risk is amplified in environments where these systems are not properly segmented or monitored, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain broader access to network resources.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from Cisco, which address the authentication bypass vulnerability in the XML API. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate telepresence systems from critical network segments, and access controls should be strictly enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework category T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access controls, firewall rules, and intrusion detection systems to monitor and prevent unauthorized API access attempts, particularly targeting the XML API endpoints that are vulnerable to this specific authentication bypass attack vector.