CVE-2017-14754 in Document Sciences xPression
Summary
by MITRE
OpenText Document Sciences xPression (formerly EMC Document Sciences xPression) v4.5SP1 Patch 13 (older versions might be affected as well) is prone to Arbitrary File Read: /xAdmin/html/cm_datasource_group_xsd.jsp, parameter: xsd_datasource_schema_file filename. In order for this vulnerability to be exploited, an attacker must authenticate to the application first.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14754 affects OpenText Document Sciences xPression version 4.5SP1 Patch 13 and potentially older versions, representing a critical arbitrary file read flaw within the application's administrative interface. This vulnerability exists in the /xAdmin/html/cm_datasource_group_xsd.jsp component where the xsd_datasource_schema_file parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows an attacker to read arbitrary files from the server's file system by manipulating the filename parameter, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, credentials, or other confidential information stored on the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the parameter handling mechanism of the web application. When the xsd_datasource_schema_file parameter is submitted through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or restrict the input, allowing path traversal sequences or direct file references to be processed without authorization checks. This creates an exploitable condition where an authenticated user can manipulate the parameter to access files outside of the intended directory structure, effectively bypassing normal file access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting patterns, as it represents a failure to properly validate user-supplied data before using it in file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive system information that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network. An attacker who has already gained authentication credentials can leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, database connection strings, or other sensitive data that may be stored in the application's file system. The attack requires only a valid authentication token, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative accounts may be compromised through other means such as credential theft or social engineering. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it enables extraction of sensitive data from application repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch or update to the affected version of OpenText Document Sciences xPression to address the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege access controls for administrative functions, monitoring for unusual file access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by limiting access to administrative interfaces and detecting anomalous file access requests. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing including input validation and file system access controls as part of the software development lifecycle.