CVE-2014-4629 in Documentum Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Documentum Content Server 7.0, 7.1 before 7.1 P10, and 6.7 before SP2 P19 allows remote authenticated users to read or delete arbitrary files via unspecified vectors related to an insecure direct object reference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-4629 represents a critical insecure direct object reference flaw within EMC Documentum Content Server versions 7.0, 7.1 before P10, and 6.7 before SP2 P19. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses insecure direct object references that occur when an application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks. The flaw allows remote authenticated users to manipulate object references and gain unauthorized access to files they should not be able to access, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Documentum for content management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the Documentum Content Server's object reference handling. When authenticated users submit requests containing object identifiers or file references, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to access the specified objects. This allows attackers to manipulate object references and potentially read or delete files that belong to other users or system components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication, meaning that an attacker who has already gained access to legitimate user credentials can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges and access unauthorized content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data destruction. Organizations using affected Documentum versions face risks including unauthorized access to sensitive corporate documents, intellectual property theft, and potential system integrity violations. The ability to delete arbitrary files creates additional risks for business continuity and data recovery operations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for security teams managing content management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4629 should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations must ensure that all object references are properly validated against user permissions before granting access. This includes implementing proper authorization checks, using indirect object references, and employing proper input sanitization techniques. The most effective remediation involves applying the vendor patches released for versions 7.1 P10 and 6.7 SP2 P19, which address the underlying insecure direct object reference implementation. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation, monitor access logs for suspicious activity, and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against such fundamental access control flaws that can undermine entire content management systems.