CVE-2014-2520 in Documentum Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Documentum Content Server before 6.7 SP2 P16 and 7.x before 7.1 P07, when Oracle Database is used, does not properly restrict DQL hints, which allows remote authenticated users to conduct DQL injection attacks and read sensitive database content via a crafted request.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2520 affects EMC Documentum Content Server versions prior to 6.7 SP2 P16 and 7.x versions before 7.1 P07 when configured with Oracle Database. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of database access controls within the content management system. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of DQL (Document Query Language) hints, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system's query processing mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of DQL hints within the Documentum Content Server's database interaction layer. When Oracle Database is utilized as the backend, the system fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-supplied DQL hint parameters. This allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious DQL syntax into query hints, effectively bypassing normal access controls and database security measures. The flaw specifically targets the DQL injection vector, where attackers can manipulate query execution by embedding crafted hint parameters that alter the intended database behavior.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables remote authenticated users to execute unauthorized database queries against the underlying Oracle database. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from database tables, potentially accessing confidential documents, user credentials, system metadata, and other privileged data. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability may allow for privilege escalation and further compromise of the content management infrastructure. The authenticated nature of the attack means that legitimate users with appropriate permissions can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to additional system resources.
The security implications of CVE-2014-2520 align with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and specifically relates to CWE-89, which covers SQL injection vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Documentum serves as a content management platform for enterprise organizations, making the potential data breach impact significant for organizations handling sensitive information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for EMC Documentum Content Server versions 6.7 SP2 P16 and 7.1 P07, implementing strict input validation for DQL hint parameters, and establishing monitoring protocols for unusual database query patterns. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in database interaction components and ensure comprehensive protection against DQL injection attacks.