CVE-2014-0858 in Content Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Navigator 2.x before 2.0.2.2-ICN-FP002 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and conduct deleteAction attacks via a modified URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
IBM Content Navigator 2.x versions prior to 2.0.2.2-ICN-FP002 contains a critical access control vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient access control as classified by CWE-284, where the application fails to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes deleteAction requests through URL parameters, allowing malicious users to manipulate the URL structure to perform unauthorized deletion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and permission checking mechanisms within the Content Navigator framework. When users navigate to deleteAction endpoints, the system does not sufficiently verify whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary privileges to execute the requested deletion. This oversight creates a path for attackers who can craft modified URLs containing deleteAction parameters, effectively bypassing the normal access control checks that should prevent unauthorized deletions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to exploit, meaning that any authenticated user with access to the system can potentially leverage this flaw.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss scenarios, as it represents a significant escalation of privileges within the Content Navigator environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness to remove critical documents, folders, or metadata from the content repository, potentially causing system instability or data integrity issues. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Content Navigator serves as a central document management platform, as unauthorized deletions could disrupt business operations or compromise regulatory compliance requirements. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for indicator removal and T1485 for data destruction, as it enables unauthorized deletion of content that could be considered destructive to the organization's information assets.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch version 2.0.2.2-ICN-FP002 which addresses the access control validation issues. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of deleteAction operations and establish audit trails to detect unauthorized deletion attempts. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive content management operations. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of similar content management systems and ensure that all authentication and authorization mechanisms are properly implemented and tested according to security best practices.