Cisco WebEx Extension

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	Cisco WebEx is a browser extension for Google Chrome that allows users to exchange information online via one integrated web conferencing, video and audio solution. This technology can be used with desktop and mobile web browsers. This entry covers the Desktop Edition of this technology and not any mobile versions. Please note that the implementation of mobile technology applications that operate on Mobile Operating Systems must be reviewed and approved by the Mobile Technology and Endpoint Security Engineering Team: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/SysDesign/CS/MT/default.aspx The TRM decisions in this entry only apply to technologies and versions owned, operated, managed, patched, and version-controlled by VA. This includes technologies deployed as software installations on VMs within VA-controlled cloud environments (e.g. VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC)). Cloud services provided by the VAEC, which are listed in the VAEC Service Catalog, and those controlled and managed by an external Cloud Service Provider (i.e. SaaS) are not in the purview of the TRM. For more information on the use of cloud services and cloud-based products within VA, including VA private clouds, please see the Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) Portal at: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITECSO Please note that WebEx is a division of Cisco.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v23.1
Decision Date:	01/17/2023 at 17:42:15 UTC
Aliases:	Chrome extension
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Cisco Systems, Inc

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
1.0.0
1.0.1
1.0.2
1.0.3
1.0.4
1.0.5
1.0.6
1.0.7
1.1.0
1.3.0	07/05/2018
1.5.0	07/10/2019
1.9.0	06/15/2020
2.0.4	07/22/2022

Current Decision Matrix (01/10/2023)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VA IT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported. Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered unapproved for use.

Legend:

White	Approved: The technology/standard has been approved for use.
Yellow	Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unapproved: This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Divest: VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unapproved may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Prohibited: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Planning/Evaluation Constraint:The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

<Past

CY2022

CY2023

CY2024

Future>

Release

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

1.0.0

Prohibited

1.0.1

Prohibited

1.0.2

Prohibited

1.0.3

Prohibited

1.0.4

Prohibited

1.0.5

Prohibited

1.0.6

Prohibited

1.0.7

Unapproved

1.1.0

Unapproved

1.3.0

Unapproved

1.5.0

Unapproved

1.9.0

Approved w/Constraints
[2, 5, 8, 10, 11]

Divest
[8, 12, 13, 14, 15]

Divest
[8, 12, 14, 15, 16]

Unapproved

2.0.4

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[8, 12, 13, 14, 15]

Approved w/Constraints
[8, 12, 14, 15, 16]

Decision Constraints


[1]	Per the Initial Product Review, the following constraint must be followed: A vulnerability in Cisco WebEx browser extensions could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser on an affected system. This vulnerability affects the browser extensions for Cisco WebEx Meetings Server and Cisco WebEx Centers (Meeting Center, Event Center, Training Center, and Support Center) when they are running on Microsoft Windows. Auto updates: Check is not enabled in the VA Group Policy, as ITOPS, Endpoint Engineering manages updates to Google Chrome. Cisco WebEx Extension for Google Chrome version 1.0.7 was released on January 26, 2017, and contains a fix for this vulnerability. Any versions prior to this release must not be used within the VA`s secured network infrastructure. In accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 and SP 800-70, Information Security is an important business process that must be considered in all phases of the acquisition process to ensure data and information technology (IT) systems are adequately protected against risk of loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. In accordance with FISMA, government information or government IT systems require compliance with the agency IT Security Policy. All information technology acquisitions must meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 39.101 (d) policy ensuring the use of common security configuration checklists in the management of risk.

[2]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISO can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[3]	Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO). This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[4]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[5]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Office (ISO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[6]	Per the Initial Product Review, the following constraint must be followed: A vulnerability in Cisco WebEx browser extensions could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected browser on an affected system. This vulnerability affects the browser extensions for Cisco WebEx Meetings Server and Cisco WebEx Centers (Meeting Center, Event Center, Training Center, and Support Center) when they are running on Microsoft Windows. Auto updates: Check is not enabled in the VA Group Policy, as ITOPS, Endpoint Engineering manages updates to Google Chrome. Cisco WebEx Extension for Google Chrome version 1.0.7 was released on January 26, 2017, and contains a fix for this vulnerability. Any versions prior to this release must not be used within the VA`s secured network infrastructure. In accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 and SP 800-70, Information Security is an important business process that must be considered in all phases of the acquisition process to ensure data and information technology (IT) systems are adequately protected against risk of loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. In accordance with FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act), government information or government IT systems require compliance with the agency IT Security Policy. All information technology acquisitions must meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 39.101 (d) policy ensuring the use of common security configuration checklists in the management of risk. This product may only be used to join web based conferences scheduled by non-organization users (e.g. vendor partners).If the software is left installed on a system after use, it must be patched on a regular basis and upgraded to comply with TRM approved versions.

[7]	Per the Initial Product Review, Cisco WebEx Extension for Google Chrome version 1.0.7 was released on January 26, 2017, and contains a fix for this vulnerability. Any versions prior to this release must not be used within the VA`s secured network infrastructure. Use of this technology is limited to JOINING external web-based training sessions scheduled by non-organization users (e.g. vendor partners). VA users must leverage the organization`s preferred teleconferencing solution, Skype for Business (Formerly Microsoft Lync), for internal hosted conferences. VA has selected Skype for Business as its preferred teleconferencing solution. No waiver or review is required for JOINING Cisco WebEx Extension meetings. Any use of this technology to host a VA event must be authorized by a Strategic Technology Alignment Team (STAT) waiver. There are no exceptions to the required waiver process for any reason. The STAT Board must seek guidance and/or approval from the Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) as needed when a waiver is granted to host conferences.

[8]	Browser plug-ins and extensions may only be installed by VA IT Operations (ITOPS) and must be used with official VA browser installation packages that are managed by ITOPS. For installation, contact the National Service Desk [Mail Group: National Service Desk - Austin]. Browser extensions must be kept up to date with security patches and enhancements.

[9]	Use of this technology on the VA network is limited to JOINING external web-based training sessions scheduled by non-organization users (e.g. vendor partners) until a full deployment of this technology is acquired. Once the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) implementation is in place, the SaaS must be used through a provided link directing the user to the FedRAMP platform, and it may be used to host meetings. No other platform outside of the approved VA FedRAMP solution is authorized for hosting conferences. Per the Initial Product Review, Cisco WebEx Extension for Google Chrome version 1.0.7 was released on January 26, 2017, and contains a fix for this vulnerability. Any versions prior to this release must not be used within the VA`s secured network infrastructure.

[10]	Use of this technology must schedule new meetings through a VA provided link directing the user to the FedRAMP platform supported by VA, and it may be used to host meetings through the VA supported service. No other WebEx platform outside of the approved VA FedRAMP solution is authorized for hosting VA WebEx conferences. Per the Initial Product Review, Cisco WebEx Extension for Google Chrome version 1.0.7 was released on January 26, 2017, and contains a fix for this vulnerability. Any versions prior to this release must not be used within the VA`s secured network infrastructure.

[11]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[12]	Use of this technology must schedule new meetings through a VA provided link directing the user to the FedRAMP platform supported by VA, and it may be used to host meetings through the VA supported service. No other WebEx platform outside of the approved VA FedRAMP solution is authorized for hosting VA WebEx conferences.

[13]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[14]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[15]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[16]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 2.0.4 is the most current version, released 07/22/2022.

References

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Source	Description

Technology Components

Note: This list may not be complete. No component, listed or unlisted, may be used outside of the technology in which it is released. The usage decision for a component is found in the Decision and Decision Constraints.
Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Domain Area	Category	Customer Guidance	Category Locked By ELT Date
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Collaboration Software	Real-Time and Team Collaboration

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

macOS - Approved w/Constraints
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) - Approved w/Constraints
Windows Client - Approved w/Constraints
Windows Server - Approved w/Constraints

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

No runtime dependencies have been identified.

Comparable Technologies:

WebEx Teams

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This technology is available free of charge.

Adoption Risks

The potential exists to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) and/or VA Sensitive data and proper security standards must be followed in these cases
There is limited publicly available technical documentation for this technology.
There are known Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) associated with this technology. Please see NVD - Results (nist.gov) for more details.
This technology is available as freeware. As such this technology may be without clearly defined support options which may result in suboptimal enterprise level support.
System scans indicate that this technology is no longer in use within the VA network.
This technology is a browser plug-in or extension. Proper analysis must be conducted on this technology.

Architectural Benefits

This technology is compatible with virtual machines, therefore consistent with the enterprise Server Virtualize First Policy (VAIQ 7266972 08-27-2012).

Architectural Risks

As a plugin for Google Chrome, this software is limited to the Google Chrome browser.
This technology includes cloud-based functionality which has potential information security risks.

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Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (01/10/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

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Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

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Architectural Benefits

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Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (01/10/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

Architectural Risks

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