CVE-2017-6753 in WebEx Browser Extension
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco WebEx browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser on an affected system. This vulnerability affects the browser extensions for Cisco WebEx Meetings Server, Cisco WebEx Centers (Meeting Center, Event Center, Training Center, and Support Center), and Cisco WebEx Meetings when they are running on Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability is due to a design defect in the extension. An attacker who can convince an affected user to visit an attacker-controlled web page or follow an attacker-supplied link with an affected browser could exploit the vulnerability. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser. The following versions of the Cisco WebEx browser extensions are affected: Versions prior to 1.0.12 of the Cisco WebEx extension on Google Chrome, Versions prior to 1.0.12 of the Cisco WebEx extension on Mozilla Firefox. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf15012 CSCvf15020 CSCvf15030 CSCvf15033 CSCvf15036 CSCvf15037.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6753 represents a critical design flaw in Cisco WebEx browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox platforms. This weakness specifically targets the browser extensions used with Cisco WebEx Meetings Server, Cisco WebEx Centers including Meeting Center, Event Center, Training Center, and Support Center, as well as Cisco WebEx Meetings operating on Microsoft Windows systems. The flaw stems from inadequate security controls within the extension architecture, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.0.12 for both Chrome and Firefox implementations, indicating that the security remediation was introduced in these specific release versions.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on social engineering tactics where an attacker must successfully convince a victim to visit a malicious web page or click on a crafted link. This initial compromise allows the attacker to leverage the extension's design defect to execute arbitrary code within the browser's privilege context. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with web content from untrusted sources. The attack vector demonstrates a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability pattern where browser extensions become attack surfaces for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation provides attackers with the same privileges as the affected browser itself. This privilege escalation capability enables attackers to potentially access sensitive user data, manipulate browser sessions, or establish persistent access points within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on WebEx collaboration platforms, creating potential entry points for advanced persistent threats. Security teams must consider the implications of this vulnerability in their overall security posture, particularly in environments where privileged browser access could lead to broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version updates to 1.0.12 or later for both Chrome and Firefox extensions, as these releases contain the necessary security patches. Organizations should implement browser extension management policies that restrict installation of unauthorized extensions and maintain comprehensive monitoring for suspicious browser activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload and download scenarios, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1176 for Browser Extensions, highlighting the need for browser security hardening. Network segmentation and user education programs should complement technical controls to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering approaches. Regular security assessments of browser extensions and continuous monitoring for unauthorized modifications remain essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in collaborative software platforms.