CVE-2017-3833 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework of Cisco Unified Communications Manager could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web interface of the affected software. More Information: CSCvb95951. Known Affected Releases: 12.0(0.99999.2). Known Fixed Releases: 11.0(1.23064.1) 11.5(1.12031.1) 11.5(1.12900.21) 11.5(1.12900.7) 11.5(1.12900.8) 11.6(1.10000.4) 12.0(0.98000.155) 12.0(0.98000.178) 12.0(0.98000.366) 12.0(0.98000.367) 12.0(0.98000.468) 12.0(0.98000.469) 12.0(0.98000.536) 12.0(0.98000.6) 12.0(0.98500.6).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3833 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager's web framework, specifically affecting version 12.0(0.99999.2) and potentially other releases within the 12.0 software line. This vulnerability exposes the system to unauthenticated remote attackers who can exploit the flaw to inject malicious scripts into the web interface, thereby compromising user sessions and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive communication data. The affected web framework component serves as the primary interface for administrators and users to manage and interact with the unified communications platform, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application layer, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls and execute within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the web framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before rendering them in web pages. Attackers can craft malicious URLs or form submissions containing script code that gets executed when legitimate users access the affected interface. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, meaning that any remote user can potentially exploit the vulnerability without needing valid credentials. The flaw exists in the web interface processing logic where user input is not adequately escaped or validated before being displayed in HTML output contexts, creating an environment where malicious script code can be injected and executed within the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling sophisticated attack chains that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage the XSS vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify web page content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise communication environments where Cisco Unified Communications Manager serves as a central hub for voice, video, and data communications. The vulnerability could enable attackers to intercept sensitive communications, manipulate user permissions, or gain access to confidential business information. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing techniques, as attackers could use the XSS flaw to deliver malicious payloads through crafted web interfaces. The exposure of this vulnerability in the web framework also increases the attack surface for lateral movement within networks where unified communications systems are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3833 should prioritize immediate deployment of vendor-provided security patches and updates, as multiple fixed releases are available including versions 11.0(1.23064.1), 11.5(1.12031.1), and various 12.0 releases that contain the necessary fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected web interface to trusted users only, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns or attempts to exploit the XSS vulnerability, particularly focusing on unusual URL parameters or script injection attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the applied mitigations are effective and to identify any additional vulnerabilities within the unified communications infrastructure. The remediation process should also include user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of recognizing potential phishing attempts that could exploit this vulnerability.