CVE-2020-3129 in Unity Connection
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Unity Connection Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to perform a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation by the web-based management interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing crafted data to a specific field within the interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to store an XSS attack within the interface. This stored XSS attack would then be executed on the system of any user viewing the attacker-supplied data element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
Cisco Unity Connection Software contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation within its web-based management interface. This flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in how it processes and stores input within designated interface fields. The vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's database or storage mechanisms, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect all users who interact with the compromised data elements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have valid authentication credentials to access the web-based management interface, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. The flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a classic stored XSS scenario where malicious code is initially stored on the server and then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the compromised data. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly validate or escape user-provided content before it is rendered back to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of authenticated users. This could enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive information, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the attack remains effective until the malicious content is removed from the application's storage, potentially affecting numerous users over extended periods. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web-based management interface, undermining the security posture of organizations relying on Cisco Unity Connection for their communication infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms, regular security assessments of web applications, and comprehensive user access controls. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Security teams should also conduct regular training on secure coding practices and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management procedures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through compromised web interfaces. Organizations must also ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to address this vulnerability promptly, as the window of exploitation remains open until remediation is complete.