CVE-2008-3684 in Documentum ApplicationXtender
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in aws_tmxn.exe in the Admin Agent service in the server in EMC Documentum ApplicationXtender Workflow, possibly 5.40 SP1 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted packet data to TCP port 2606.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3684 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the aws_tmxn.exe component of EMC Documentum ApplicationXtender Workflow's Admin Agent service. This flaw exists within the server-side implementation and specifically affects versions 5.40 SP1 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this document management platform. The vulnerability manifests when the service processes crafted packet data sent to TCP port 2606, which serves as the primary communication channel for the Admin Agent functionality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the aws_tmxn.exe process, which fails to adequately check the length of incoming data packets before copying them into fixed-size heap buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when an attacker sends maliciously constructed data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten with attacker-controlled content. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow affects dynamically allocated memory regions, making exploitation more complex but potentially more reliable than stack-based counterparts. The specific TCP port 2606 serves as the attack vector, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates over the network without requiring local system access or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to gain arbitrary code execution on affected systems. This capability allows threat actors to potentially escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive document data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. Given that EMC Documentum ApplicationXtender Workflow is commonly used for enterprise document management and workflow automation, successful exploitation could result in significant data breaches and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects the core administrative functionality of the system, potentially compromising the integrity of business processes and sensitive corporate information stored within the document management environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address this specific buffer overflow vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TCP port 2606, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on port 2606 and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern from an ATT&CK framework perspective under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the Documentum ecosystem and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.