CVE-2016-1446 in WebEx Meetings Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server 2.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuy83200.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1446 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco WebEx Meetings Server version 2.6 that exposes organizations to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the WebEx platform, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages improper input validation techniques that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within database queries. Security researchers have categorized this issue under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials for the WebEx Meetings Server, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a purely remote attack vector. However, the impact remains severe as authenticated users can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database infrastructure. This capability allows attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or potentially gain elevated privileges within the system. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that multiple input points within the application may be susceptible to this injection technique, complicating the identification and remediation process. The vulnerability affects the core database interaction components of the WebEx platform, particularly those related to user management and meeting session handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. Organizations utilizing WebEx Meetings Server 2.6 face risks including intellectual property theft, customer data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authenticated attack means that attackers can exploit it from outside the corporate network, provided they have valid user credentials. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised through phishing attacks or credential theft. The database-level access granted through this vulnerability can enable attackers to manipulate meeting records, user accounts, and system configurations, potentially disrupting business operations and compromising sensitive communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1446 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WebEx Meetings Server installations to the latest available security releases from Cisco. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation measures and adopt parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in custom applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which covers application layer protocol traffic, and T1046 which involves network service scanning that may precede such exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and regularly audit user permissions to minimize the potential impact of credential compromise. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing regressions in system functionality.