A recently discovered security vulnerability in Cisco TelePresence CE and RoomOS systems, tracked as CVE-2023-20094, could potentially expose sensitive information to unauthenticated, adjacent attackers. In this post, we will delve into the details of this vulnerability, its origin, and the potential consequences of successful exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

The CVE-2023-20094 vulnerability stems from improper bounds checks in the affected software, which only affects Cisco Webex Desk Hub. When an attacker sends a crafted request to a vulnerable device, the system could trigger an out-of-bounds read, thereby disclosing sensitive information.

Original References

- [Cisco Advisory]( https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-tele-presence-YKMpXeo)
- CVE-2023-20094

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability using a crafted request similar to the following

POST /craft-req HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable-device
Content-Length: XX

{"vulnerable_param": "AAAAAAAAAA..."} // Exceeding the parameter buffer size

Exploit Analysis

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would only require network access to the affected device. By sending a specially crafted request, the attacker could trigger the improper bounds check, potentially resulting in an out-of-bounds read. If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could disclose sensitive information about the affected device or the network it is connected to.

Impact

An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive information on a device. This information could then potentially be used to conduct further attacks, breach the network security, or exfiltrate confidential data.

Workarounds and Fixes

Unfortunately, there are no known workarounds that address this vulnerability. Cisco has, however, acknowledged the issue and is actively working on developing a software update to fix the vulnerability. In the meantime, users should consider implementing appropriate device access restrictions and closely monitoring vulnerable systems for any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-20094 vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper bounds checking in software development, especially in the context of widely-used networking and communication technologies. As evident in our discussion, failing to address such vulnerabilities could have devastating consequences for both individuals and organizations alike. It is therefore essential for software vendors and users to remain vigilant and proactive about identifying, reporting, and fixing security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.

Timeline

Published on: 11/15/2024 15:08:04 UTC
Last modified on: 11/15/2024 15:08:14 UTC