CVE-2018-7960 in eSpace
Summary
by MITRE
There is a SRTP icon display vulnerability in Huawei eSpace product. An unauthenticated, remote attacker launches man-in-the-middle attack to intercept the packets in non-secure transmission mode. Successful exploitation may intercept and tamper with the call information, eventually cause sensitive information leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7960 represents a critical security flaw in Huawei eSpace communication products that specifically affects Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) implementation. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of icon display elements within the SRTP framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security mechanisms. The flaw exists in the way the eSpace platform processes and displays visual indicators during secure communications, which inadvertently exposes the system to unauthorized access and manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security assurances that SRTP is designed to provide, undermining the integrity of encrypted communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a man-in-the-middle attack vector that operates through non-secure transmission modes, where attackers can intercept and manipulate packet flows without requiring authentication credentials. This attack methodology aligns with the ATT&CK framework's network infiltration techniques, specifically targeting the communication protocols that ensure secure voice and video transmission. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the visual representation of secure connections, potentially deceiving users about the actual security status of their communications. This manipulation occurs at the application layer where SRTP icon display logic fails to properly validate or authenticate the source of visual indicators, creating a window for attackers to inject malicious payloads.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2018-7960 enables attackers to intercept and modify call information, which constitutes a significant breach of confidentiality and integrity within enterprise communication systems. The vulnerability creates a scenario where sensitive business information, personal data, and proprietary communications can be compromised without detection. Organizations relying on Huawei eSpace products face potential exposure of confidential conversations, financial data, and strategic communications that could lead to competitive disadvantages, regulatory violations, and financial losses. The attack's remote nature means that adversaries can operate from any location with network access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for distributed enterprises and organizations with remote workers.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data manipulation capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct surveillance operations, gather intelligence, or disrupt communication services. This flaw represents a weakness in the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms, as it allows unauthorized actors to gain insight into secure communication sessions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and specifically relates to improper handling of security indicators within communication protocols. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, enhanced monitoring of communication traffic, and mandatory use of secure transmission modes to prevent exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network components that may provide similar attack vectors.