Cisco Urges Immediate Action After Discovering Backdoor in Unified Communications Manager

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Cisco has removed a hardcoded "root" SSH credential from its flagship Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM) platform. Left unpatched, this oversight could have allowed threat actors to gain unauthorized system control and compromise sensitive communications data. Administrators are urged to assess and update their deployments without delay. Understanding the Vulnerability in Depth The vulnerability arises from a root-level account credential embedded directly into Unified CM software images during development and testing. Unlike typical administrative accounts, this credential was immutable by standard configuration interfaces, effectively creating an undetectable entry point once the system was in production. Attackers exploiting this flaw could log in over SSH as root, granting full read, write, and execution privileges across the operating system, application services, and all stored voice data. While Cisco safeguards its commercial releases with extensive pre...
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Confirms Use of Compromised Communication App

 


The recent breach of TeleMessage, a communication app used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has exposed significant vulnerabilities in government communication systems. The app, designed to clone popular messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp with added record-retention features, was suspended after a cyber incident revealed critical flaws in its Android code. This incident has prompted calls for a Department of Justice investigation into the app's security practices and its approval for federal use.

The breach underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and thorough vetting of communication tools used by government agencies. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative to reassess the protocols for adopting such technologies to safeguard sensitive information and maintain national security.


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