CVE-2019-1956 in SPA112 2-Port Phone Adapter
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based interface of the Cisco SPA112 2-Port Phone Adapter could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against another user of the device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based interface of the affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious code in one of the configuration fields. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive, browser-based information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The Cisco SPA112 2-Port Phone Adapter represents a VoIP device that provides telephony services through a web-based management interface, making it a critical component in enterprise communication infrastructure. This device operates as a gateway between traditional telephone systems and IP-based networks, handling sensitive communication data and configuration parameters that require robust security controls. The vulnerability exists within the device's web-based interface which serves as the primary means for administrators to configure and manage the adapter's functionality, creating a potential attack surface that could compromise the entire communication infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface's processing of user-supplied data. Specifically, the device fails to properly sanitize or validate input received through configuration fields, allowing malicious code to be injected and subsequently executed. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where the device's interface does not adequately filter or escape user-provided content before rendering it in the browser context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to exploit, meaning that an attacker with valid credentials could manipulate the device's configuration fields to inject malicious scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive information stored in the browser's session, potentially capturing administrator credentials or other confidential data. The attack could also be used to redirect users to malicious sites, modify device configurations, or even establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability undermines the security posture of the entire VoIP infrastructure, as the compromised device could serve as a stepping stone for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and validated before being processed or stored within the device's configuration. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation. Regular firmware updates and security patches should be applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.