CVE-2019-15283 in WebEx Network Recording Player
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Webex Network Recording Player for Microsoft Windows and Cisco Webex Player for Microsoft Windows could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected system. The vulnerabilities exist due to insufficient validation of certain elements with a Webex recording stored in either the Advanced Recording Format (ARF) or the Webex Recording Format (WRF). An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a user a malicious ARF or WRF file through a link or email attachment and persuading the user to open the file with the affected software on the local system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the targeted user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15283 affects Cisco Webex Network Recording Player and Cisco Webex Player software for Microsoft Windows platforms, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the affected software applications, specifically when processing Webex recording files stored in either Advanced Recording Format (ARF) or Webex Recording Format (WRF) containers. The flaw exists at the core of how these applications handle file parsing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise systems through seemingly benign media files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages social engineering tactics to deliver malicious payloads, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted malicious ARF or WRF file that contains malformed data structures designed to trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions within the affected software. When a user opens such a file with the vulnerable Webex player applications, the parsing routines fail to properly validate the file contents, allowing attacker-controlled data to overwrite critical memory regions. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively providing attackers with a foothold to escalate their access within the compromised system. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Cisco Webex for collaboration and training purposes, as it can be exploited through simple email attachments or web links without requiring any special network access privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical sophistication from the attacker while potentially delivering maximum damage to the victim's system. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks once an initial foothold is established. The vulnerability also represents a persistent threat to user security since the attack can occur through normal business processes such as email communication or file sharing, making it challenging to implement effective prevention measures.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including disabling automatic execution of Webex recording files, implementing strict file type validation policies, and ensuring users are educated about the risks of opening untrusted media files. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional protection layers, while regular security updates and patches should be deployed immediately upon availability. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 which describes user execution through malicious file attachments, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing email filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious file attachments, as well as monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The affected software versions require immediate patching to remediate this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.