Cisco cries foul over security flaw in Zoom Connector
.jpg)
Cisco slammed rival Zoom for a security lapse that left the management portals of many video devices exposed to the public internet. It's an unusually public spat between two of the industry's leading video conferencing providers.
The dispute revolves around Zoom Connector, a gateway that connects standards-based video devices to the Zoom cloud. In addition to providing a management portal for the hardware, the service makes it possible to join Zoom meetings with one click.
The Zoom Connector previously allowed anyone with the correct URL to access the admin portal for Cisco, Poly and Lifesize devices from the public internet without login credentials, according to Cisco. That would have let a hacker commandeer a company's video systems, potentially allowing them to eavesdrop on conference rooms.
Zoom released a patch last week that password-protected access to the control hub via those URLs. But in a blog post this week, Cisco said the quick fix did not go far enough, alerting customers that Zoom's connector service did not meet Cisco's security standards.
To create the connector, Zoom built a link between the Zoom cloud and a Cisco web server running within a corporate network, said Sri Srinivasan, general manager of Cisco's team collaboration group. The configuration provides a point of access to the endpoints that lies outside the network firewall.
"You don't want to have firewall settings open for a management interface of this sort, even [when] password-protected," Srinivasan said.
Similarly, in a statement Tuesday, Lifesize said it considered Zoom Connector an unauthorized integration "built in an inherently insecure way." However, the company concluded that the security flaw spotlighted by Cisco did not put customers in immediate risk.
In a statement Tuesday, Zoom said it considered the issue fully resolved. While insisting customers were safe, Zoom said it did advise companies to check device logs for unusual activity or unauthorized access.
Zoom added that it was not aware of any instances of hackers exploiting the vulnerability. The URLs necessary to access a device's management portal are long and complicated, similar to a link to a Google Doc or an unlisted YouTube video. Most likely, a hacker would have needed to first gain access to an admin's browser history to exploit the flaw.
Zoom has come under fire before for security shortfalls. Experts criticized the vendor in July for quietly installing a web server on Mac computers. The software left users vulnerable to being forcibly joined to a meeting with their video cameras turned on.
Cisco has raised issues with Zoom about the connector in the past, but only became aware of the URL vulnerability on Oct. 31, Srinivasan said. A customer who wished to remain anonymous reported the problem to Cisco and Zoom around the same time, he said. Zoom patched the issue on Nov. 19, one day after Cisco said it contacted the company about the problem.
Adding fuel to the fire, Zoom has been using the Cisco logo on its connector's admin portal. Cisco said this likely led customers to believe they were accessing a website supported by Cisco.
"This has been going on for a long, long time," Srinivasan said. "Now, we know better to make sure we check everything Zoom does."
But it seems unlikely Zoom will heed Cisco's directive to obtain certification of the service. The vendor has a financial stake in the matter, as it charges customers $499 per year, per port for Zoom Connector.
Zoom has emerged in recent years as perhaps Cisco's biggest competitor in the video conferencing market. Eric Yuan resigned as Cisco's vice president of engineering to start Zoom in 2011. Yuan was one of the chief architects of the Webex video conferencing software that Cisco acquired in 2007.
In the coming months, Cisco is planning to release a SIP-based integration for Zoom and other leading video conferencing providers. The technology would let users join third-party meetings with one click from a Cisco device.
Cisco already supports SIP-based interoperability. But taking advantage of it requires businesses to build an integration themselves or pay for a third-party service. Srinivasan said the forthcoming SIP integration would eliminate the need for a service like Zoom Connector
source searchunifiedcommunications
Industry: Unified Communications
Latest Jobs
-
- Senior Client Microsoft Security Delivery Consultant - Hybrid (London | Remote)
- London
- N/A
-
Senior Client Microsoft Security Delivery Consultant - Hybrid (London | Remote) We are seeking an experienced technical Security Consultant to help clients deploy and enhance their cyber defences across Microsoft and vulnerability management technologies. You will work with enterprise customers to deliver tailored solutions across threat detection, endpoint protection and exposure management, ensuring security platforms are efficient, integrated and aligned with operational goals. Whilst you won't do the design yourself- you will work alongside technical Presales to document, agree and then deliver the solution. You will have experience leading delivery the implementation and improvement projects, providing hands-on support with configuration, integration and optimisation. You will assess existing environments, recommend enhancements and guide clients on best practice to strengthen visibility and control. Strong experience with SIEM, XDR and vulnerability tooling (Microsoft & Tenable ecosystems ideal) Understanding of Azure security, identity and access controls Background in consulting or project-based cyber delivery Clear communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders Extra points if you have the SC-100. You must be eligible to achieve UK Security Clearance to be considered for this role.
-
- Account Director | Cyber Security Consulting | UK - South East
- London
- N/A
-
Account Director | Cyber Security Consulting - Financial Services | UK - South East. New Role due to Growth We are looking for an experienced Account Director to develop and expand existing relationships across the financial services sector, working with investment firms, asset managers, private equity groups and strategic partners to deliver intelligent cyber consulting and a bespoke Cyber product offerings. You will act as a trusted advisor, helping organisations strengthen digital resilience, manage third-party and regulatory risk and adopt a proactive approach to cyber assurance. Key Responsibilities Manage a defined portfolio of financial clients, understanding business priorities and aligning tailored cyber solutions. Drive new client engagement while nurturing existing partnerships through a consultative, long-term approach. Present the benefits of advanced cyber services including threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident readiness, and continuous risk monitoring. Collaborate with technical and delivery teams to ensure smooth engagement from proposal through to implementation and ongoing support. Prepare proposals, negotiate commercial terms, and clearly articulate value and business outcomes. Build trusted relationships at senior and board level. Ideal Profile Strong background in cybersecurity, consulting, or risk management within financial services. Skilled communicator with proven success managing and growing key accounts. Able to translate complex technical insight into commercial and strategic value for clients. Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and decision makers. Please note: Sponsorship is not available.
-
- SOC Analyst- Level 2- Hybrid Greater London
- London
- N/A
-
SOC Analyst- Level 2- Hybrid Greater London New opportunity created through continued growth. We’re looking for a SOC Analyst (Level 2) to strengthen a growing managed security team. You’ll work hands-on with Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR, investigating alerts, responding to incidents, and helping improve how clients stay protected. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys unravelling security events, thinking critically under pressure, and making a real difference day to day. What you’ll do · Investigate and respond to security activity across SIEM and endpoint tools · Analyse network and log data to uncover real threats · Support automation initiatives to streamline response processes · Help maintain visibility, data flow, and performance across SOC platforms What you’ll need · Practical experience using Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR · Confident working with KQL or similar query languages · Understanding of attacker tactics and response techniques · SC-200 certifications would be nice. · Experience supporting multiple customer environments Please note: Sponsorship is not available.
-
- Senior SOC Engineer - UK - New role due to growth
- London
- N/A
-
Senior SOC Engineer – New role due to growth We are hiring a Senior SOC Engineer to take the lead across security operations for a growing managed service. You will lead detection, response and onboarding activity across multiple clients, helping shape how the SOC evolves. Expect variety; from fine-tuning alerts and threat hunting to supporting customers and mentoring junior analysts. What you’ll bring · Strong experience across SIEM, EDR, and threat detection tools · Confident working with customers in a managed service environment · Skilled in scripting or query languages such as KQL or PowerShell · Knowledge of frameworks like NIST, ISO27001, MITRE ATT&CK · Calm communicator with a problem-solving mindset · Experience with Azure Lighthouse or delegated access models · Prior involvement in automation or SOC improvement projects Location: South East England- Hybrid role Please note: Sponsorship cannot be offered now or in the future.