CVE-2018-0103 in WebEx Network Recording Player
Summary
by MITRE
A Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player for Advanced Recording Format (ARF) files could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system of a user. The attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending the user a link or email attachment with a malicious ARF file and persuading the user to follow the link or launch the file. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the user's system. This vulnerability affects Cisco WebEx Business Suite meeting sites, Cisco WebEx Meetings sites, Cisco WebEx Meetings Server, and Cisco WebEx ARF players. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg78835, CSCvg78837, CSCvg78839.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2019
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player software that specifically targets Advanced Recording Format files. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the ARF file processing component, creating a condition where maliciously crafted data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates through social engineering vectors, requiring minimal technical sophistication from attackers to compromise target systems. According to CWE-121, this constitutes a classic stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite return addresses and control execution flow.
The exploitation mechanism leverages the typical user behavior of opening email attachments or clicking on links without proper security verification. When a user opens a malicious ARF file through the vulnerable WebEx player, the buffer overflow occurs during file parsing operations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user. This vulnerability affects multiple Cisco WebEx platforms including business suite meeting sites, standard meetings sites, server installations, and player applications, indicating a widespread impact across the WebEx ecosystem. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since successful exploitation results in code execution with the user's current privileges rather than requiring administrative access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence in meeting sites and servers creates additional risk for enterprise environments where WebEx is extensively used for collaboration. Organizations using these platforms face potential data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruption of business operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant threat to enterprise security postures.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Cisco released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Network administrators should implement email filtering and attachment scanning to prevent delivery of malicious ARF files. User education programs must emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted attachments and clicking suspicious links. Additional protective measures include disabling automatic playback of media files, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for multimedia processing components that handle untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.