CVE-2016-1389 in WebEx Meetings Server
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server (CWMS) 2.6 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuy44695.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-1389 represents an open redirect flaw in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server version 2.6 that enables remote attackers to manipulate user navigation to malicious websites. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure redirection as defined by CWE-601, where applications redirect users to external domains without proper validation of the target URL. The vulnerability specifically affects the WebEx Meetings Server component that handles user authentication and session management, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this platform for virtual meetings and collaboration.
The technical implementation of this open redirect vulnerability occurs when the WebEx Meetings Server fails to validate or sanitize redirect parameters that are passed to the application during user authentication or session establishment processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing crafted redirect parameters that point to phishing websites or malicious payloads. The vulnerability exists in the server-side redirect handling logic where input validation is insufficient, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and redirect users to attacker-controlled domains. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attack vectors without requiring any special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to potentially enable more sophisticated social engineering campaigns and credential theft operations. When users are redirected to malicious sites through the compromised WebEx Meetings Server, they may unknowingly provide sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or corporate secrets to attackers. The vulnerability affects the integrity of user trust relationships with the WebEx platform, as legitimate users may be deceived into believing they are accessing official Cisco services. Organizations using this version of WebEx Meetings Server face risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to corporate networks, and potential compromise of sensitive meeting content or participant information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment as provided by Cisco security advisories, which typically include updated server software versions that properly validate redirect parameters and implement proper input sanitization. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, and establish monitoring procedures to identify unauthorized redirection attempts. Additional defensive measures include user education about recognizing phishing attempts, implementing strict access controls for WebEx server configurations, and conducting regular security assessments of collaboration platforms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers phishing attacks and social engineering methods, making it particularly relevant for organizations that need to address both technical and human factors in their security posture.