CVE-2018-15421 in WebEx Network Recording Player
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Cisco Webex Network Recording Player for Microsoft Windows and the Cisco Webex Player for Microsoft Windows could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected system. The vulnerability exist because the affected software improperly validates Advanced Recording Format (ARF) and Webex Recording Format (WRF) files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a user a malicious ARF or WRF file via a link or an email attachment and persuading the user to open the file by using the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15421 represents a critical code execution flaw in Cisco Webex Network Recording Player and Cisco Webex Player software for Microsoft Windows environments. This security weakness stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the affected applications when processing Advanced Recording Format and Webex Recording Format files. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, concerning out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists in the file parsing logic where the software fails to properly validate the structure and content of ARF and WRF files before processing them, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through social engineering techniques by delivering malicious ARF or WRF files via email attachments or web links. The attack vector relies on user interaction since the exploitation requires a victim to open the malicious file using the vulnerable software. This approach follows the typical pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under T1204.002, which covers legitimate user execution through social engineering. The vulnerability represents a privilege escalation risk as the code execution occurs within the context of the user running the affected software, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect enterprise networks where Webex software is widely deployed. Organizations using Cisco Webex for video conferencing and recording may face significant security risks as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to target multiple endpoints simultaneously. The exploitability factor is relatively high due to the ease of delivery through standard email channels and the requirement for minimal user interaction beyond opening a file. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks once initial compromise occurs, as the executed code could be used to establish command and control channels or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects organizations of all sizes that rely on Cisco Webex for business communications, making it a critical concern for enterprise security operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates from Cisco, which would address the file validation issues in the affected applications. Organizations should implement email filtering solutions to detect and quarantine potentially malicious attachments, while also educating users about the dangers of opening unexpected files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and potential code execution activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of endpoint protection solutions with advanced threat detection capabilities can provide additional layers of defense against this type of vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include verification of software patch levels to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.