CVE-2017-12357 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Unified Communications Manager could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf79346.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12357 resides within the web-based management interface of Cisco Unified Communications Manager, a critical component in enterprise communication infrastructure. This flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that exploits the insufficient validation of user-supplied input, creating a pathway for authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the web management console that administrators use to configure and monitor unified communications systems, making it a high-value target for threat actors seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. The Cisco Bug ID CSCvf79346 documents this specific weakness within the broader context of the Cisco Unified Communications Manager platform.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the web interface's processing logic. When users interact with the management console, the system fails to properly validate or escape user-provided data before rendering it in web responses. This validation gap allows attackers to inject malicious scripts through crafted input fields or URL parameters that are subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability requires an authenticated session to exploit, meaning attackers must first obtain valid credentials to the management interface, but once achieved, they can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code or extract sensitive information from the browser environment. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components that handle user input processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive browser-based information and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised session. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to session cookies, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored in the browser's memory. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that could enable long-term access to the communication infrastructure, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, system compromise, or further network reconnaissance activities. The attack requires social engineering to convince users to click malicious links, but once executed, it could provide attackers with a foothold in the enterprise network that is difficult to detect and remediate. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given the critical nature of unified communications systems in business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12357 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cisco Unified Communications Manager versions through official Cisco security advisories and updates. Organizations must ensure that all web-based management interfaces are properly updated with the latest security patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to the management interface to only authorized personnel with legitimate business needs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and monitoring of web interface activities should be conducted to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a technique commonly used in the attack chain documented under ATT&CK tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) for compromising enterprise systems through web interface vulnerabilities.