CVE-2015-4534 in Documentum Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
Java Method Server (JMS) in EMC Documentum Content Server before 6.7SP1 P32, 6.7SP2 before P25, 7.0 before P19, 7.1 before P16, and 7.2 before P02 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by forging a signature for a query string that lacks the method_verb parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4534 represents a critical authentication bypass and remote code execution flaw within EMC Documentum Content Server's Java Method Server component. This issue affects multiple versions of the Documentum Content Server platform, specifically targeting releases prior to certain service pack and patch levels including 6.7SP1 P32, 6.7SP2 P25, 7.0 P19, 7.1 P16, and 7.2 P02. The flaw resides in how the system processes query strings submitted through the JMS interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and signature verification mechanisms within the Documentum Content Server's method invocation framework. When a query string is processed without the required method_verb parameter, the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of the request, allowing attackers to forge valid signatures that appear legitimate to the server. This weakness enables authenticated users to manipulate the method invocation process and execute unauthorized code with the privileges of the Documentum server process. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the server-side method execution capabilities that are fundamental to Documentum's functionality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Documentum Content Server for document management and content delivery. Attackers who can authenticate to the system can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected servers, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Documentum servers are exposed to external networks. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive data is compromised through exploitation of this vulnerability, as it enables unauthorized access to potentially confidential documents and system resources.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and updates for the affected Documentum Content Server versions to remediate this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the specific service packs and patches mentioned in the CVE details, which address the signature verification flaw and restore proper validation of method invocation requests. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of Documentum servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual method invocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Documentum implementations to identify any other potential vulnerabilities and ensure proper configuration management practices are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication, and represents a significant concern for ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code through legitimate system processes.