CVE-2021-1575 in Virtualized Voice Browser
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2021
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Virtualized Voice Browser could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the interface. This vulnerability exists because the web-based management interface does not properly validate user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of an affected interface to click a crafted link. 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 • 07/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1575 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Virtualized Voice Browser's web-based management interface. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically affects the web interface component responsible for managing voice browser operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary script code within the context of authenticated sessions. The flaw manifests when the interface processes user input without sufficient validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted payloads.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal privileges as it does not require authentication to initiate the attack vector. An attacker can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious links designed to exploit the XSS vulnerability, which are then delivered to unsuspecting users through social engineering tactics. When a victim clicks the malicious link, the web interface executes the injected script code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or full compromise of the affected system. The attack chain typically begins with the delivery of the malicious payload through phishing emails, compromised websites, or other social engineering methods that entice users to interact with the malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1575 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, access sensitive browser-based information, or redirect users to malicious sites. This vulnerability directly violates the principles of secure web application development and can be categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows execution of malicious scripts within the browser environment. Additionally, the vulnerability can facilitate further attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Cisco Virtualized Voice Browser systems should implement immediate mitigations including input validation improvements, output encoding, and the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts. Network segmentation and user access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the application of security patches as recommended by Cisco's security advisories. System administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented and that the web interface can properly handle malicious input without executing unintended code.