CVE-2018-0340 in Unified Communications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework of the Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM) software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against the user of the web interface of the affected system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of certain parameters passed to the web server. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing the user to access a malicious link or by intercepting the user request and injecting certain malicious code. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected site or allow the attacker to access sensitive browser-based information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvj00512.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0340 resides within the web framework of Cisco Unified Communications Manager software, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to compromise user sessions. This vulnerability specifically targets the insufficient input validation mechanisms implemented within the web server component, creating a pathway for malicious code injection through improperly sanitized user parameters. The affected system operates within the unified communications ecosystem, where the web interface serves as the primary administrative and user interaction point, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of input parameters that traverse the web application layer, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who can leverage the insufficient input validation to inject malicious payloads into the web application's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers typically employ social engineering tactics to convince victims to click on malicious links or intercept user requests to inject the malicious code. The exploitation process involves crafting specially formatted parameters that bypass the input validation checks, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary script code within the victim's browser context. This cross-site scripting vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-79 as "Cross-site Scripting" with specific characteristics matching CWE-74 and CWE-75 based on the injection vector and input validation failure. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the web interface of the unified communications platform, which often contains sensitive administrative functions and user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the unified communications environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive browser-based information, manipulate user sessions, and potentially gain access to administrative functions within the Cisco Unified Communications Manager. The consequences include unauthorized access to communication data, potential disruption of business communications, and exposure of sensitive enterprise information. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with T1059.007 for Scripting and T1531 for Account Access Through Web Applications, demonstrating how the flaw enables lateral movement and persistent access within the network. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where unified communications systems serve as critical infrastructure components for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0340 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms, applying the latest security patches from Cisco, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious injection attempts. Organizations should enforce strict parameter validation throughout the web application framework, implement proper output encoding, and conduct regular security assessments of their unified communications infrastructure. Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through security updates and patches that enhance input validation controls and strengthen the web framework's defenses against cross-site scripting attacks. Additional protective measures include network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns, and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access to reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in unified communications platforms, ensuring rapid detection and remediation of similar threats. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and the critical need for robust input validation practices in web application development and deployment.