CVE-2015-0517 in Documentum D2
Summary
by MITRE
The D2-API component in EMC Documentum D2 3.1 through SP1, 4.0 and 4.1 before 4.1 P22, and 4.2 before P11 places the MD5 hash of an encryption passphrase in log files, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0517 affects the D2-API component within EMC Documentum D2 versions ranging from 3.1 through SP1, 4.0 and 4.1 before P22, and 4.2 before P11. This issue represents a significant security flaw that exposes cryptographic secrets through improper logging practices, creating potential attack vectors for authenticated adversaries. The vulnerability resides in how the system handles encryption passphrases during API operations, specifically in the logging mechanism that inadvertently stores sensitive cryptographic information.
The technical flaw manifests when the D2-API component generates log entries containing the MD5 hash of encryption passphrases used within the Documentum environment. This represents a direct violation of security best practices as cryptographic keys and passphrases are stored in plaintext form within log files, making them accessible to any user with read access to these log files. The MD5 hash, while not reversible, provides sufficient information for attackers to potentially perform dictionary attacks or brute force operations against the original passphrase, especially considering that many users employ predictable or weak passphrases. This weakness aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic issues related to weak or improperly handled encryption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers who have already gained authenticated access to the system. Remote authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information that could lead to further system compromise, unauthorized data access, or privilege escalation. The exposure of MD5 hashes of passphrases within log files creates a potential attack surface that allows adversaries to target other systems where the same passphrases might be reused, effectively enabling credential stuffing attacks. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations using Documentum D2 for content management and document storage, where sensitive corporate and personal data is stored, making the exposure of cryptographic secrets especially dangerous.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include configuring log file permissions to restrict access to only authorized personnel, implementing log rotation and secure deletion practices, and reviewing all encryption passphrase handling within the Documentum D2 environment. The remediation process should involve updating to patched versions of Documentum D2 where available, and implementing proper logging controls that prevent sensitive information from being written to log files. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of log file contents and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exposure of cryptographic information. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following the principle of least privilege in logging operations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.001, which covers indicator removal on host through log deletion or modification, emphasizing the need for secure logging practices that prevent sensitive information disclosure through system artifacts.