CVE-2018-14935 in TriO
Summary
by MITRE
The Web administration console on Polycom Trio devices with software before 5.5.4 has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The CVE-2018-14935 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the web administration console of Polycom Trio communication devices. This security weakness affects devices running software versions prior to 5.5.4 and exposes the web interface to malicious script injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative web console that allows system administrators to configure and manage device settings through a browser-based interface. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers who access the administration console. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical web application security weakness that allows attackers to execute scripts in the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web administration interface of the Polycom Trio devices. When administrators or authorized users access the device configuration interface through a web browser, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before rendering them in the web page output. This allows an attacker who has gained access to the device or can influence input through other means to inject malicious JavaScript payloads. The attack typically occurs when the application processes form data, URL parameters, or other user-controllable inputs without adequate sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the web application layer, where it can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or deep system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14935 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the network environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrative credentials, modify device configurations, redirect users to malicious websites, or even establish persistent access through the compromised device. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Polycom Trio devices are commonly deployed for video conferencing and unified communications. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised network connections, or by manipulating device configuration parameters that are processed through the vulnerable web interface. This weakness can also facilitate privilege escalation attacks where an attacker gains unauthorized access to administrative functions, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when considering how attackers might initially gain access to exploit this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14935 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network segmentation measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Polycom Trio devices to software version 5.5.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security assessments of communication devices. Access controls should be strengthened to limit who can access the web administration console, and multi-factor authentication should be implemented where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software across all networked devices, as outdated systems often represent the most accessible attack vectors for cyber adversaries. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and unusual configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of unified communications infrastructure help identify similar weaknesses that could be exploited in similar devices or applications.