Cisco Desk Phone Series Vulnerability Lets Remote Attacker Access Sensitive Information

A significant vulnerability (CVE-2024-20445) has been discovered in Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series, IP Phone 7800 and 8800 Series, and Video Phone 8875 that could allow remote, unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive information.

This vulnerability, classified under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor), is due to improper storage of sensitive information within the web user interface (UI) of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based phone software.

CVE-2024-20445 – Summary of the Vulnerability

The flaw stems from improper handling of sensitive information within the web UI, particularly when the Web Access feature is enabled.

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply browsing the IP address of an affected device.

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If successful, they could access sensitive data, including call records (both incoming and outgoing) stored on the device.

It is important to note that these devices’ Web Access feature is disabled by default, reducing the immediate risk.

However, in instances where it has been enabled, the vulnerability becomes exploitable.

Cisco has acknowledged the issue and promptly released software updates to address it. Unfortunately, this vulnerability has no workarounds beyond applying the fixed software versions.

Affected Products

At the time of publication, the following Cisco products were confirmed to be vulnerable if running a susceptible version of Cisco SIP IP Phone Software and Web Access was enabled:

• Cisco Desk Phone 9800 Series
• Cisco IP Phone 7800 Series
• Cisco IP Phone 8800 Series (except the Wireless IP Phone 8821)
• Cisco Video Phone 8875

Users must verify whether Web Access is enabled on their devices.

If so, disabling it or applying software updates should be considered immediate actions to protect against potential exploitation. 

Cisco has released software patches to address this issue. Users are urged to review the Cisco Security Advisories page regularly to ensure they run the latest, secure software versions.

When upgrading, users must ensure that devices have the necessary resources and support to function with the updated software.

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