CVE-2011-2739 in Documentum eRoom
Summary
by MITRE
The file-blocking feature in EMC Documentum eRoom 7.3.x and 7.4.x before 7.4.3.g does not properly restrict the uploading and opening of files with dangerous file types, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via an uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2739 affects EMC Documentum eRoom versions 7.3.x and 7.4.x prior to 7.4.3.g, representing a critical security flaw in the document management system's file handling mechanisms. This issue stems from inadequate file type validation within the application's file-blocking feature, which is designed to prevent the upload and execution of potentially harmful files. The flaw exists in the application's security controls that should normally restrict the processing of dangerous file formats, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass these protections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's insufficient input validation and file type filtering mechanisms. When authenticated users upload files to the eRoom system, the file-blocking feature fails to properly validate the file extensions, MIME types, or file content against a comprehensive blacklist of dangerous formats. This weakness allows attackers to upload files with extensions such as .exe, .bat, .scr, or other executable formats that should be blocked by default. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of authenticated users, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but once inside the system, they can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the target server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations using EMC Documentm eRoom as their primary document management solution. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely through file uploads can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can upload malicious files that, when processed by the application, will execute commands on the underlying server with the privileges of the eRoom service account. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate documents, system reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also poses risks to business continuity as it could enable attackers to disrupt document management processes or corrupt critical data repositories.
The flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling in web applications. This vulnerability can be mapped to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1078 for Valid Accounts. Organizations utilizing this version of eRoom should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch to version 7.4.3.g or higher, implementing additional file validation at the network level, and restricting file upload capabilities to trusted users only. The recommended approach includes deploying web application firewalls, implementing more robust file type validation, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the document management infrastructure.