CVE-2016-6459 in TelePresence
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco TelePresence endpoints running either CE or TC software contain a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute a local shell command injection. More Information: CSCvb25010. Known Affected Releases: 8.1.x. Known Fixed Releases: 6.3.4 7.3.7 8.2.2 8.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6459 affects Cisco TelePresence endpoints that operate with either CE or TC software versions within the 8.1.x release series. This represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated local attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands on the affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the telepresence endpoint software, creating a pathway for malicious actors who already possess legitimate credentials to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized system control. The issue manifests specifically within the command execution handling processes that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before processing them as shell commands.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, commonly known as OS command injection. The flaw allows an attacker with local access to manipulate command execution flows by injecting malicious shell commands through vulnerable input points within the telepresence endpoint software. The attack requires the adversary to first establish a legitimate local session on the device, which significantly reduces the attack surface but still represents a serious security risk given that authorized users with local access could potentially exploit this weakness. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the system by enabling arbitrary code execution that could lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6459 extends beyond simple command injection, as it could enable attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive telepresence environments that often handle confidential business communications and video conferencing data. Organizations utilizing Cisco TelePresence systems in enterprise settings face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized surveillance capabilities, and disruption of critical communication infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems that may be deployed in high-security environments such as government facilities, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations where telepresence systems serve as critical communication tools. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt ongoing video conferences that may involve classified or proprietary discussions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6459 should prioritize immediate software updates to the fixed releases mentioned in the advisory including versions 6.3.4, 7.3.7, 8.2.2, and 8.3.0. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management to minimize the number of legitimate local users with access to these systems. Network segmentation and monitoring of local access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for local privilege escalation, indicating that defenders should monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and unusual local system activities. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits of telepresence systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the broader network infrastructure.