CVE-2011-1741 in Documentum eRoom
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ftserver.exe in the OpenText Hummingbird Client Connector, as used in the Indexing Server in EMC Documentum eRoom 7.x before 7.4.3.f and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a crafted message over TCP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1741 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the ftserver.exe component of the OpenText Hummingbird Client Connector, which is integrated into EMC Documentum eRoom 7.x versions prior to 7.4.3.f. This flaw exists within the Indexing Server functionality and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that has been documented under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution through network-based attacks, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise systems without physical access. The affected software components are part of a broader ecosystem that facilitates document management and collaboration services, where the indexing server plays a crucial role in processing and organizing content for retrieval.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the ftserver.exe process failing to properly validate input data when processing TCP messages sent over the network. When a specially crafted message is transmitted to the vulnerable service, the application does not perform adequate bounds checking on the incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This inadequate input validation creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing for arbitrary code injection. The buffer overflow occurs in the context of a network service that operates continuously, making it accessible to remote attackers who can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the system. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution technique, specifically mapping to the T1059.007 sub-technique related to command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a significant threat to enterprise document management systems that rely on the affected components. Organizations using EMC Documentum eRoom 7.x versions before 7.4.3.f face potential compromise of their entire document repository infrastructure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted eRoom platform but also other products that utilize the same Hummingbird Client Connector component, indicating the widespread nature of the affected ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this weakness to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive documents, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The continuous operation of the indexing server service means that the vulnerability remains constantly exposed, providing attackers with multiple opportunities for exploitation without requiring additional reconnaissance or access methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1741 should prioritize immediate patch application from the vendor, as the vulnerability has been addressed through software updates that include proper input validation and buffer size management. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the affected services from critical infrastructure, using firewalls and access control lists to restrict TCP traffic to only trusted sources. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts before they succeed. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of the affected software across the enterprise environment, as the vulnerability affects multiple products within the OpenText and EMC ecosystem. Security teams must also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address remote code execution vulnerabilities in document management systems. Organizations should also review their software inventory and upgrade to supported versions that include the necessary security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in their infrastructure.