CVE-2016-1392 in Prime Collaboration Assurance
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance Software 10.5 through 11.0 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuu34121.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1392 represents a critical open redirect flaw within Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance Software versions 10.5 through 11.0. This security weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate user navigation by redirecting them to malicious websites, creating significant opportunities for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors within the software's web interface, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit various entry points to craft convincing deceptive redirects. The bug ID CSCuu34121 identifies this specific issue within Cisco's internal tracking systems, highlighting the company's recognition of the severity and impact of this particular vulnerability.
Open redirect vulnerabilities occur when web applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that determines the destination of redirects. In this case, the Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance Software does not adequately verify redirect URLs, allowing attackers to craft malicious links that appear legitimate but direct users to attacker-controlled domains. The vulnerability exists at the application level within the web framework components that handle user navigation and session management. This flaw aligns with CWE-601, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities where applications redirect users to unvalidated external URLs, creating pathways for malicious activity. The technical implementation likely involves insufficient input validation in redirect handling functions, allowing arbitrary URL parameters to be processed without proper sanitization or domain verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass broader security risks within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance Software become vulnerable to sophisticated attack campaigns where users might be redirected to credential harvesting sites, malware distribution platforms, or other malicious destinations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this software is designed for enterprise collaboration and communication systems, meaning that successful exploitation could compromise sensitive business communications and potentially lead to further lateral movement within network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish initial access points for more extensive breaches, as users might trust the legitimate Cisco software interface and unknowingly navigate to malicious sites. The vulnerability also presents challenges for security monitoring and incident response teams, as the redirects might appear legitimate in network logs, complicating detection efforts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches and updates provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, and implement strict URL validation policies for all web applications. Regular security assessments should include testing for open redirect vulnerabilities in all web-facing applications, with particular attention to enterprise collaboration tools and management interfaces. The mitigation strategy should also incorporate user education programs to help employees recognize potential phishing attempts and understand the risks associated with clicking on unexpected links. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 which covers Phishing techniques, and T1071 which addresses Application Layer Protocol usage, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat and the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.