CVE-2018-0118 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Unified Communications Manager could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the web-based management interface to click a link that is designed to submit malicious input to the interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the interface or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information on the targeted device. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg51264.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0118 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Unified Communications Manager's web-based management interface. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability exists specifically within the web interface components that handle administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the very tools used by system administrators to manage critical communication infrastructure. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious scripts into the web interface, potentially compromising the security of the entire unified communications environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious links or payloads designed to be executed within the context of a victim's browser session. The insufficient validation occurs at the input sanitization layer, where user-provided data enters the system without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms. This allows malicious input to be stored and subsequently executed when other users interact with the affected interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface components that process user inputs, making it possible for attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes in the browser context of authenticated users. According to the Cisco Bug ID CSCvg51264, the flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate and sanitize parameters passed through web forms and URL parameters, creating opportunities for script injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive browser-based information and potentially escalate privileges within the web interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code in the context of the web interface, potentially gaining access to administrative functions or sensitive configuration data. The attack requires social engineering to convince users to click malicious links, but once executed, it can provide attackers with persistent access to the management interface. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Cisco Unified Communications Manager for their voice and video communication infrastructure, as compromised management interfaces can lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to communication channels. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that it affects the administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to modify system configurations, access user data, or disrupt communication services.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected Cisco Unified Communications Manager versions. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco to address the input validation flaws in the web interface components. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the management interface to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can help detect and block malicious input attempts. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts, while user education programs can help prevent successful social engineering attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution through web interfaces, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.