CVE-2017-15044 in Fulltext Search Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default installation of DocuWare Fulltext Search server through 6.11 allows remote users to connect to and download searchable text from the embedded Solr service, bypassing DocuWare's access control features of the DocuWare user interfaces and API. An attacker can also gain privileges by modifying text. The default installation is unsafe because the server listens on the network interface, not the localhost interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-15044 represents a critical security flaw in DocuWare's Fulltext Search server implementation that undermines the fundamental access control mechanisms of the platform. This issue affects DocuWare versions through 6.11 and stems from the default installation configuration where the embedded Solr service operates on a network interface rather than being restricted to localhost access. The flaw creates an unauthorized access vector that allows remote attackers to bypass the application's intended security controls, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the document management system's access management features. This misconfiguration essentially renders the user interface and API authentication mechanisms ineffective, as the underlying search service can be accessed directly without proper authentication.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and more specifically aligns with CWE-285, concerning improper authorization mechanisms. The root cause lies in the network service configuration where the Solr search service is exposed to external network connections instead of being confined to local host access only. This default configuration creates a scenario where any remote user can establish a connection to the search service and extract searchable text content from the document repository. The implications extend beyond simple data exposure, as attackers can also modify text content within the system, potentially leading to data integrity compromises and unauthorized alterations to document metadata. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that the embedded Solr service operates without proper authentication mechanisms, making it trivial for attackers to exploit.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations using DocuWare as their document management solution, particularly those handling sensitive or confidential information. The ability to bypass access controls means that unauthorized users can potentially access documents that should be restricted to specific user groups or roles, leading to data breaches and compliance violations. The privilege escalation capability through text modification further compounds the risk, as attackers can manipulate document content to alter business processes, introduce false information, or corrupt the integrity of the document repository. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad of information security, compromising confidentiality through unauthorized data access, integrity through content modification capabilities, and availability through potential system manipulation. Organizations may face regulatory penalties and legal consequences if sensitive documents are accessed or modified without authorization, particularly in industries governed by compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, SOX, or GDPR.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate configuration changes to restrict network access to the embedded Solr service. The primary remediation involves modifying the Solr service configuration to bind only to the localhost interface rather than all network interfaces, effectively preventing external access to the search functionality. Additionally, organizations should implement proper network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the specific ports used by the Solr service. Security administrators should also consider implementing authentication mechanisms for the Solr service, even though the default configuration is meant to be accessible. The recommended approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and network segmentation practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensuring that services operate with minimal exposure while maintaining their intended functionality. Regular security assessments and configuration reviews should be implemented to verify that the service remains properly configured and that no unauthorized changes have been made to the network access controls, as this vulnerability can be reintroduced through improper system maintenance or configuration updates.