CVE-2017-15049 in Zoom
Summary
by MITRE
The ZoomLauncher binary in the Zoom client for Linux before 2.0.115900.1201 does not properly sanitize user input when constructing a shell command, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging the zoommtg:// scheme handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15049 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Zoom client for Linux platform. This issue resides in the ZoomLauncher binary component that handles the zoommtg:// URI scheme for initiating Zoom meetings. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization practices during the construction of shell commands, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically affects versions prior to 2.0.115900.1201, indicating that this was a targeted security gap that required patching to prevent exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack vector through improper input validation. When users click on zoommtg:// links or interact with the Zoom client through web-based interfaces, the ZoomLauncher binary processes these inputs without sufficient sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the shell context of the Zoom client process. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust model between the Zoom client and its URI scheme handler, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with web content or email links.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Linux users who rely on the Zoom client for video conferencing. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious zoommtg:// URLs that contain shell command injection payloads. Once executed, these commands can perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or persistence mechanism establishment. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by clicking on malicious links, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted web content.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to encompass broader system compromise potential. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for command and script injection. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive communications, and possible lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Zoom client is used for business-critical communications, as attackers could gain access to confidential meeting content, user credentials, or internal network information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15049 focus primarily on immediate patching of the Zoom client to version 2.0.115900.1201 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict access to zoommtg:// URI schemes when possible, and educate users about the dangers of clicking untrusted links. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unusual shell command execution patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party applications. Organizations should also consider temporary workarounds such as disabling the zoommtg:// scheme handler or using alternative meeting platforms until full patch deployment is achieved.