CVE-2017-3795 in WebEx Meetings Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco WebEx Meetings Server could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct arbitrary password changes against any non-administrative user. More Information: CSCuz03345. Known Affected Releases: 2.6. Known Fixed Releases: 2.7.1.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3795 represents a critical authentication flaw within Cisco WebEx Meetings Server version 2.6 that enables authenticated remote attackers to perform unauthorized password modifications against non-administrative user accounts. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the server's user management functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit legitimate authentication sessions and manipulate user credentials without requiring administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the password change functionality, allowing attackers to modify user passwords through crafted requests that bypass normal authorization checks.
This authentication bypass vulnerability operates through a combination of weak session management and inadequate privilege validation within the WebEx Meetings Server application. The flaw allows an attacker who has obtained valid credentials for any non-administrative user account to leverage their authenticated session to change passwords for other user accounts within the same system. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-284 which describes improper access control where an attacker can perform actions beyond their authorized permissions. The affected system configuration permits password modification operations to be executed without proper verification of the target user's identity or authorization level, effectively undermining the authentication framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to assume control of user accounts and potentially escalate their privileges within the WebEx environment. An attacker could systematically change passwords for multiple user accounts, effectively locking out legitimate users while gaining persistent access to the system. This capability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on WebEx for business communications, as it allows unauthorized individuals to compromise user sessions and access sensitive meeting data, participant information, and potentially corporate communications. The vulnerability affects organizations using WebEx Meetings Server 2.6, which represents a substantial portion of enterprise deployments that may have been exposed to this risk for extended periods.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released in WebEx Meetings Server version 2.7.1.12 to address this vulnerability. The fix includes enhanced session validation and proper access control checks that ensure only authorized users can modify passwords for accounts they legitimately control. Security administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of user accounts and monitor for suspicious authentication activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous password change patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access controls as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation techniques category. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing robust monitoring procedures for user management activities to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.