CVE-2016-1482 in WebEx Meetings Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco WebEx Meetings Server 2.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by injecting these commands into an application script, aka Bug ID CSCuy83130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1482 represents a critical command injection flaw in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server version 2.6. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of user input and script execution processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters that are subsequently processed within application scripts, allowing malicious actors to inject harmful commands that the system then executes with elevated privileges.
This command injection vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-77, which specifically addresses Command Injection flaws in software applications. The weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by injecting operating system commands through vulnerable input points. The affected Cisco WebEx Meetings Server implementation processes user-supplied data without adequate validation, creating an environment where attacker-controlled commands can be executed within the context of the application's privileges. This flaw is particularly dangerous as it operates remotely, requiring no local access or authentication to exploit, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking unauthorized system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive meeting data, system resources, and network infrastructure. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to meeting recordings, participant information, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control. The affected environment typically includes organizations using Cisco WebEx Meetings Server for enterprise collaboration, where the compromise of such systems could lead to significant data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1482 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco WebEx Meetings Server installations with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to WebEx server components and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at all application entry points, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual command execution activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and behavioral monitoring to detect and prevent such attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related systems and maintain overall security posture against evolving threat landscapes.