Internet Security Systems Security Advisory
September 4, 2002

Multiple Remote Vulnerabilities in Polycom Videoconferencing Products

Synopsis:

Internet Security Systems (ISS) X-Force has discovered multiple
vulnerabilities in the Polycom ViewStation videoconferencing products. The
ViewStation devices are powered by a proprietary operating system that
includes Web, Telnet, and FTP servers.

Impact:

The vulnerable ViewStation products are susceptible to multiple attacks that
may allow individuals to gather information about the device, retrieve files,
crash the device, or monitor videoconferences.

Affected Versions:

Polycom ViewStation 128 version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation H.323 version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation 512 version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation MP version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation DCP version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation V.35 version 7.2 and earlier
Polycom ViewStation FX/VS 4000 version 4.1.5 and earlier

Description:

The Polycom ViewStation is configured by default with a null or empty password
for the administrator account. Users are not prompted to supply a new
administrator password during the installation process. This account allows
users to configure and manage the device as well as establish videoconference
links. This password for this account cannot be changed via the Web interface
and can only be changed via the remote control. Documentation on how to
configure a password is provided in the "Optional Configurations" section of
the Polycom ViewStation User Guide.

The integrated Web and Telnet servers are vulnerable to multiple attacks. By
encoding Web requests in Unicode, attackers may retrieve information from the
Web server without authenticating. Attackers can use this technique to
retrieve the administrator password from a vulnerable ViewStation. Once this
password is obtained, remote attackers can take control the device. This may
allow unauthorized individuals to modify the system configuration, destroy
information, and record or monitor video conferences.

The Polycom ViewStation camera is vulnerable to various types of denial of
service (DoS) attacks. The Telnet service may become unstable and crash when
multiple connection attempts are made. The Telnet service allows an unlimited
number of login attempts, which may expose it to a brute-force attack. Remote
attackers may be able to cause the camera to crash by sending long or
malformed ICMP packets.

Recommendations:

X-Force recommends that all Polycom ViewStation users configure strong
passwords on their devices and assess the general security of their devices.
If possible, ViewStation devices should reside behind a firewall.

Internet Scanner X-Press Update 6.14 includes checks to assess the
vulnerabilities described in this advisory. Detection support for these
vulnerabilities was provided in XPU 20.2 for RealSecure Network Sensor.
Internet Scanner XPU 6.14 and RealSecure Network Sensor 20.2 are available
from the ISS Download Center at: http://www.iss.net/download.

Polycom has released software version 4.2 for the Polycom ViewStation
FX/VS4000. Polycom will be releasing a patch in September for the ViewStation
and ViewStation SP products. The beta release of this patch is now available
on the Polycom FTP site. Please refer to the Polycom Worldwide Resource
Center for more information.

Additional Information:

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
following names to these issues. These are candidates for inclusion in the
CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for security
problems.

CAN-2002-0626 Null or empty password on ViewStation device
CAN-2002-0627 Unicode directory traversal vulnerability
CAN-2002-0628 ViewStation device telnet brute force attack
CAN-2002-0629 ViewStation telnet DoS vulnerability
CAN-2002-0630 ViewStation ICMP DoS vulnerability

Polycom Worldwide Resource Center
http://www.polycom.com/resource_center

X-Force Database
http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/9347.php
http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/9348.php

Credits:

This vulnerability was discovered and researched by Jeff Horne of the ISS
X-Force.

______

About Internet Security Systems (ISS)
Founded in 1994, Internet Security Systems (ISS) (Nasdaq: ISSX) is a
pioneer and world leader in software and services that protect critical
online resources from an ever-changing spectrum of threats and misuse.
Internet Security Systems is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with
additional operations throughout the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe
and the Middle East.

Copyright (c) 2002 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved
worldwide.

Permission is hereby granted for the electronic redistribution of this
document. It is not to be edited or altered in any way without the
express written consent of the Internet Security Systems X-Force. If you
wish to reprint the whole or any part of this document in any other
medium excluding electronic media, please email xforce@iss.net for
permission.

Disclaimer: The information within this paper may change without notice.
Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS
condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to
this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the
user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Internet Security
Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out
of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

X-Force PGP Key available on MIT's PGP key server and PGP.com's key server,
as well as at http://www.iss.net/security_center/sensitive.php

Please send suggestions, updates, and comments to: X-Force
xforce@iss.net of Internet Security Systems, Inc.