CVE-2016-0881 in Documentum xCP
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Documentum xCP 2.1 before patch 23 and 2.2 before patch 11 allows remote authenticated users to conduct Documentum Query Language (DQL) injection attacks and obtain sensitive repository information by appending a query to a REST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0881 affects EMC Documentum xCP 2.1 and 2.2 versions prior to specific patch releases, representing a critical security flaw in the document management platform's handling of REST API requests. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the system's query processing pipeline, specifically when handling Documentum Query Language (DQL) commands submitted through REST interfaces. The vulnerability exists in the way the platform processes user-supplied DQL queries that are appended to REST requests, creating an environment where authenticated users can manipulate the underlying query structure to extract unauthorized information from the repository.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of REST API endpoints that accept DQL input parameters. When an authenticated user submits a REST request containing a crafted DQL query, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before executing the query against the Documentum repository. This lack of proper input filtering creates a pathway for DQL injection attacks where maliciously constructed queries can bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive repository information that should be restricted to authorized users. The vulnerability specifically targets the query execution layer of the xCP platform, where user input is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables authenticated attackers to potentially access confidential data, system configurations, and repository metadata that should remain protected. Attackers can leverage this flaw to enumerate repository structures, access documents outside their authorized scope, and potentially extract system-level information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The remote nature of the attack means that authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability from external network locations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Documentum repository, potentially exposing sensitive business documents, intellectual property, and system information to unauthorized parties.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the vendor patches released for xCP 2.1 patch 23 and xCP 2.2 patch 11 to remediate the issue. The mitigation strategy should also include implementing network segmentation controls to limit access to the REST API endpoints and establishing monitoring procedures to detect anomalous query patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all REST API usage within the Documentum environment to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of code injection vulnerability where user input is improperly handled in query construction. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for DQL injection and T1083 for system information discovery, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Organizations should also consider implementing additional controls such as API rate limiting, query auditing, and comprehensive access logging to further protect against exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with security standards including ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.