CVE-2020-3336 in TelePresence Collaboration Endpoint
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the software upgrade process of Cisco TelePresence Collaboration Endpoint Software and Cisco RoomOS Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to modify the filesystem to cause a denial of service (DoS) or gain privileged access to the root filesystem. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker with administrative privileges could exploit this vulnerability by sending requests with malformed parameters to the system using the console, Secure Shell (SSH), or web API. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify the device configuration or cause a DoS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2020
This vulnerability resides within the software upgrade mechanisms of Cisco's telepresence and collaboration endpoints, specifically affecting both Cisco TelePresence Collaboration Endpoint Software and Cisco RoomOS Software versions through 4.9.0. The flaw represents a critical weakness in input validation controls that enables authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the filesystem through legitimate administrative channels. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied parameters during upgrade operations, creating a pathway for malicious input to bypass normal security controls and execute unauthorized modifications to the underlying system.
The technical exploitation occurs when an authenticated attacker leverages administrative access through console interfaces, Secure Shell connections, or web application programming interfaces to submit requests containing malformed parameters. This insufficient input validation allows the attacker to inject malicious data that the system processes without proper verification, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or filesystem manipulation. The vulnerability specifically targets the upgrade process where the system should enforce strict parameter validation but instead accepts malformed inputs that can alter critical system components.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise communication infrastructure as it can result in either denial of service conditions that disrupt critical collaboration services or provide unauthorized privileged access to root filesystems. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption since successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify device configurations, install malicious software, or completely compromise the endpoint's security posture. Organizations relying on Cisco telepresence solutions face potential exposure to persistent threats that could escalate from simple disruption to full system compromise, particularly in environments where these devices serve as primary communication hubs.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation controls across all administrative interfaces, including console, SSH, and web API endpoints. Network segmentation and strict access controls can limit the attack surface by restricting administrative access to only authorized personnel with proper authentication credentials. Regular software updates and patches should be deployed immediately upon availability from Cisco, as the vulnerability exists in multiple software versions and requires proactive remediation. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous parameter submissions and unauthorized filesystem modifications, aligning with the principle of least privilege and the defensive security measures recommended in the mitre ATT&CK framework for privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user inputs at multiple layers of system architecture, as highlighted by CWE-20 standards for input validation failures that can lead to serious security consequences.