CVE-2017-14525 in Documentum Webtop
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple open redirect vulnerabilities in OpenText Documentum Webtop 6.8.0160.0073 allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a (1) URL in the startat parameter to xda/help/en/default.htm or (2) /%09/ (slash encoded horizontal tab slash) followed by a domain in the redirectUrl parameter to xda/component/virtuallinkconnect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The CVE-2017-14525 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw affecting OpenText Documentum Webtop version 6.8.0160.0073, exposing organizations to significant phishing and social engineering risks. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation in the web application's redirect mechanisms. The first vector targets the startat parameter within the xda/help/en/default.htm endpoint, while the second exploits the redirectUrl parameter through a specifically crafted slash encoded horizontal tab sequence followed by a domain specification in the xda/component/virtuallinkconnect component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently used to construct redirect URLs. When the application processes the startat parameter without proper validation, it accepts any URL value and directly incorporates it into the redirect logic, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious links that appear legitimate but redirect users to attacker-controlled domains. The second vulnerability exploits the handling of encoded characters, specifically the %09 sequence which represents a horizontal tab character, allowing attackers to bypass basic input validation checks while maintaining the appearance of legitimate navigation sequences.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables sophisticated phishing campaigns where attackers can craft deceptive links that initially appear to originate from trusted internal systems. Users who click on these malicious redirects may be directed to fraudulent websites designed to capture credentials or sensitive information, making this particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Documentum Webtop serves as a critical collaboration platform. The vulnerability affects not only individual user sessions but also organizational security posture, as successful exploitation can lead to credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in redirect contexts. The implementation should follow established security practices such as validating redirect URLs against a whitelist of approved domains and ensuring that all input passes through proper sanitization routines before being used in redirect operations. Additionally, network-level controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious redirect patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 Phishing, specifically targeting the initial access phase of cyber attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user awareness training to recognize suspicious redirects and establish proper incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts.