CVE-2019-1925 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 because the affected software improperly validates Advanced Recording Format (ARF) and Webex Recording Format (WRF) files. 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 • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1925 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Webex Network Recording Player and Cisco Webex Player software for Microsoft Windows platforms. These applications are widely used for playing recorded video content in enterprise and educational environments, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to compromise user systems. The vulnerabilities stem from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's handling of multimedia file formats, specifically the Advanced Recording Format and Webex Recording Format file types that are commonly used in Cisco Webex collaboration solutions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of ARF and WRF file structures within the affected software applications. When these applications process maliciously crafted files, they fail to properly sanitize input parameters and validate file headers, allowing attackers to inject malformed data that can trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This weakness aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The improper validation occurs during the file parsing phase when the software attempts to interpret and render the multimedia content, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges within the targeted user's session. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution with the privileges of the user who opens the malicious file, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open email attachments or click on links from untrusted sources, creating multiple attack vectors for initial compromise. The attack requires social engineering elements to persuade users to open malicious files, but once executed, it can provide persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1925 should include immediate software updates from Cisco to address the validation flaws in the affected applications. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly those with ARF or WRF extensions. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxies can help prevent the delivery of malicious files through common attack vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized software versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Regular security awareness training for users remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation through social engineering techniques that rely on human factors rather than technical vulnerabilities alone.