CVE-2017-12371 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability known as "Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player Remote Code Execution Vulnerability" has been identified in the Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player for Advanced Recording Format (ARF) and WebEx Recording Format (WRF) files. This CVE was published on November 30, 2017, by Cisco.

Understanding CVE-2017-12371

This CVE pertains to a critical security issue in the Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on a targeted user's system.

What is CVE-2017-12371?

The vulnerability in the Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player allows attackers to exploit the system by sending malicious ARF or WRF files to users via email or URL, leading to potential code execution on the victim's device.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12371

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could result in the crashing of the player and, in severe cases, enable the execution of arbitrary code on the affected user's system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12371

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's system by tricking them into opening a malicious ARF or WRF file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cisco WebEx Recording Format and Advanced Recording Format Players
Versions: Cisco WebEx Recording Format and Advanced Recording Format Players

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending users malicious ARF or WRF files via email or URL and convincing them to open the files, leading to potential code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-12371, users and organizations should take immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening ARF or WRF files from untrusted sources.
Implement email and web filtering to block suspicious file attachments and URLs.
Update the Cisco WebEx Network Recording Player to the latest version.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown sources.
Regularly update security software and conduct security awareness training.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Cisco to fix the vulnerability in the WebEx Network Recording Player.