CVE-2015-0146 in Content Collector
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Content Collector for Email 3.0 before 3.0.0.6-IBM-ICC-Server-IF001 and 4.0 before 4.0.0.3-IBM-ICC-Server-IF001 does not properly handle an unspecified query operator during searches of IBM FileNet P8 systems with IBM Content Search Services, which allows local users to bypass intended document-access restrictions and obtain sensitive information via a crafted search query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0146 affects IBM Content Collector for Email versions 3.0 prior to 3.0.0.6 and 4.0 prior to 4.0.0.3, specifically within the context of IBM FileNet P8 systems utilizing IBM Content Search Services. This security flaw represents a critical access control bypass issue that undermines the integrity of document access restrictions within enterprise content management environments. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes unspecified query operators during search operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive corporate data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of query operators within the search functionality of the content collector component. When local users craft specific search queries containing malformed or unspecified operators, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before executing searches against the underlying FileNet P8 repository. This processing gap allows malicious actors to construct queries that circumvent the normal access control mechanisms that should restrict document visibility based on user permissions and security policies. The flaw operates at the intersection of search query parsing and access control enforcement, creating a condition where unauthorized users can retrieve documents they should not have access to based on their assigned security roles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential data exfiltration and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can bypass document-level access controls that are fundamental to enterprise content management security models, potentially gaining access to confidential business documents, proprietary information, or restricted data that should only be visible to authorized personnel. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on FileNet P8 for document management and content search services, where the integrity of access controls is paramount to maintaining information security and compliance requirements. The implications are especially severe in regulated industries where unauthorized access to sensitive documents could result in compliance violations and significant financial penalties.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the query handling issues within the IBM Content Collector for Email software. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the specific interim fixes provided by IBM, namely the IF001 patches for both the 3.0 and 4.0 product versions. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and review access control configurations to ensure proper enforcement of document-level security policies. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring controls around the affected systems can help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how inadequate query sanitization can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized information access within enterprise content management systems. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning as they often go undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to establish persistent access to sensitive corporate information while maintaining operational stealth.