CVE-2018-0262 in Meeting Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco Meeting Server could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to components of, or sensitive information in, an affected system, leading to Remote Code Execution. The vulnerability is due to incorrect default configuration of the device, which can expose internal interfaces and ports on the external interface of the system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain unauthenticated access to configuration and database files as well as sensitive meeting information on an affected system. Additionally, if the Traversal Using Relay NAT (TURN) service is enabled and utilizing Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections, an attacker could utilize TURN credentials to forward traffic to device daemons, allowing for remote exploitation. This vulnerability affects Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) Acano X-series platforms that are running a CMS Software release prior to 2.2.11. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg76469.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0262 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Meeting Server systems that exposes organizations to significant remote exploitation risks. This vulnerability specifically affects Acano X-series platforms running Cisco Meeting Server software versions prior to 2.2.11, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be leveraged by unauthenticated remote adversaries. The core issue stems from improper default configuration settings that inadvertently expose internal system components and network ports through external interfaces, fundamentally undermining the security boundaries that should separate internal and external network zones.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a misconfiguration that allows internal interfaces and ports to be accessible from external network connections, effectively creating a backdoor into the system's core components. This misconfiguration enables attackers to directly access configuration files, database contents, and sensitive meeting data without requiring authentication credentials. The flaw operates at the network configuration level, where default settings fail to properly isolate internal system services from external exposure, creating multiple attack vectors for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects the fundamental network architecture of the system, rather than being a software bug that could be patched through code updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized remote code execution. Attackers can exploit the exposed interfaces to gain access to sensitive meeting information, including participant data, meeting schedules, and potentially confidential communications. When the Traversal Using Relay NAT (TURN) service is enabled with TLS connections, the threat model becomes even more dangerous as attackers can use TURN credentials to forward traffic to internal device daemons, effectively bypassing traditional network security controls. This escalation capability transforms what might initially appear as a configuration error into a sophisticated attack vector that can be used for persistent surveillance and system manipulation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential communications, and potential system compromise that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the core collaboration infrastructure that many enterprises depend upon for secure communications. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper network segmentation and default configuration management. The attack surface created by this vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques focusing on initial access through network service exploitation and privilege escalation through configuration weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0262 must prioritize immediate software updates to Cisco Meeting Server versions 2.2.11 and later, which contain the necessary patches to correct the default configuration issues. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to prevent external access to internal interfaces and ports, while also ensuring that the TURN service is properly configured or disabled when not required. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network audits to identify and remediate any other misconfigurations that might expose internal system components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust configuration management practices, as it demonstrates how default settings can create exploitable conditions that persist across multiple environments without proper oversight and maintenance.