CVE-2017-12358 in Jabber
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Jabber for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface. 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 malicious 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: CSCvf79080, CSCvf79088.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12358 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Jabber's web-based management interface across multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS client applications. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms implemented within the web interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized code. The vulnerability specifically affects the management interface component of Cisco Jabber, which serves as the administrative control point for configuring and managing the communication platform across various device types.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who can successfully persuade a legitimate user of the web-based management interface to click on a maliciously crafted link. This social engineering component is crucial as it demonstrates the attack vector's reliance on user interaction rather than purely automated exploitation techniques. The insufficient validation of user-supplied input creates a persistent XSS vulnerability where attacker-controlled data can be injected into the web interface and subsequently executed in the context of the authenticated user's browser session. This flaw operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and widely recognized security weakness in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to include potential data exfiltration and session hijacking scenarios. When successfully exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary script code within the web interface context, potentially gaining access to sensitive browser-based information such as session cookies, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in the browser. This represents a significant threat to the integrity and confidentiality of the communication environment, as the management interface typically contains administrative controls and configuration data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple platforms simultaneously, indicating a systemic issue within the web interface implementation rather than isolated platform-specific problems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to client-side attacks and credential access. The attack pattern aligns with T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1531 for account access removal, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to administrative functions. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input sanitization measures, web application firewalls, and user education programs to prevent successful exploitation. The Cisco bug IDs CSCvf79080 and CSCvf79088 indicate that this was properly documented and addressed through vendor patches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security firmware and software versions. Regular security assessments of web-based management interfaces should be conducted to identify similar validation weaknesses that could potentially expose similar attack vectors in other network infrastructure components.