CVE-2016-6440 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) may be vulnerable to data that can be displayed inside an iframe within a web page, which in turn could lead to a clickjacking attack. More Information: CSCuz64683 CSCuz64698. Known Affected Releases: 11.0(1.10000.10), 11.5(1.10000.6), 11.5(0.99838.4). Known Fixed Releases: 11.0(1.22048.1), 11.5(0.98000.1070), 11.5(0.98000.284)11.5(0.98000.346), 11.5(0.98000.768), 11.5(1.10000.3), 11.5(1.10000.6), 11.5(2.10000.2).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6440 affects Cisco Unified Communications Manager versions 11.0 and 11.5, representing a significant security weakness that could enable malicious actors to execute clickjacking attacks through web-based interfaces. This flaw specifically relates to how the system handles data display within iframe elements, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate user interactions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms that fail to properly restrict how content can be embedded or displayed within web pages, particularly when these pages are designed to be embedded in other web contexts. The affected releases include several specific version numbers that indicate the scope of the issue across different software releases. The vulnerability was documented under Cisco bug IDs CSCuz64683 and CSCuz64698, which provided additional technical details about the conditions that allow this exploitation to occur.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of web page rendering where iframe elements can be used to overlay legitimate user interface components with malicious content. When users interact with what they believe to be a legitimate interface element, they may unknowingly interact with hidden malicious components underneath. This type of attack exploits the trust relationship between users and web applications, where users expect to interact with specific interface elements while potentially being deceived into performing unintended actions. The flaw specifically impacts how the CUCM web interface handles iframe content, allowing attackers to craft malicious web pages that could trick users into performing actions they did not intend to execute. The vulnerability exists because the system does not properly implement security headers or frame-busting techniques that would prevent such embedding scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it could allow attackers to perform unauthorized actions within the CUCM environment without the user's knowledge or consent. Attackers could potentially access sensitive communication data, modify user configurations, or perform administrative actions that could compromise the entire communication infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects the web-based management interfaces that system administrators use to configure and manage the unified communications system, making it a critical concern for organizations that rely heavily on these communication platforms. Organizations using affected CUCM versions could face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to communication systems, and potential disruption of business continuity. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed through simple web page manipulation without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools.
Organizations should immediately implement the recommended security patches and updates provided by Cisco to address this vulnerability. The fixed releases include multiple version numbers that indicate comprehensive patching across different software branches, ensuring that organizations can select the most appropriate update based on their current deployment. The mitigation strategy should include not only applying the software patches but also implementing additional security measures such as proper web security headers and frame-busting techniques. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred before the patches were applied. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of rendering of web content, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through web interfaces, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and following vendor security advisories to protect against known attack vectors that could compromise enterprise communication systems.