CVE-2017-2797 in MarkLogic
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the ParseEnvironment functionality of AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter as used by MarkLogic 8.0-6.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2797 represents a critical heap overflow condition within the AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter component when integrated with MarkLogic 8.0-6 database system. This flaw manifests in the ParseEnvironment functionality where improper input validation allows maliciously crafted data to trigger buffer overflow conditions in heap memory management. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of environment variables or configuration parameters that the filter processes. When an attacker submits specially constructed input to the HTMLFilter component, the system fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions. The heap overflow occurs because the filter allocates memory based on assumed input sizes without adequate verification of actual data dimensions, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with controlled payloads. This vulnerability specifically impacts the MarkLogic database server environment where AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter serves as a document processing component for converting XML and other markup formats into HTML output. The flaw allows for potential privilege escalation and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where MarkLogic servers process untrusted user data through document transformation workflows. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that enables memory corruption attacks. The attack vector typically involves sending maliciously formatted documents or configuration parameters to the MarkLogic server through its HTML filtering interface, which then processes these inputs through the vulnerable AntennaHouse component.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2797 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise in environments where MarkLogic servers process untrusted content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MarkLogic service account, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The heap overflow condition creates predictable memory layout issues that enable attackers to craft payloads that overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program structures. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using MarkLogic 8.0-6 in production environments where document transformation processes are automated and may process documents from external sources without adequate sanitization. The exploitation process typically requires the attacker to understand the memory layout of the MarkLogic process and craft input that precisely controls memory allocation patterns to achieve reliable code execution. Organizations with MarkLogic installations running versions 8.0-6 are at significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise enterprise document management systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where MarkLogic serves as a central component for processing sensitive corporate documents, user-generated content, or integration with other enterprise applications that rely on proper document transformation capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2797 should prioritize immediate patching of MarkLogic installations to versions that include updated AntennaHouse DMC HTMLFilter components with proper input validation and memory bounds checking. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to MarkLogic servers and limit exposure of the HTML filtering interface to trusted networks only. Input sanitization measures should be strengthened to validate all data processed through the HTMLFilter component, including implementing strict size limitations and content filtering for environment variables and configuration parameters. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in document processing requests that might indicate exploitation attempts, with particular attention to malformed input that could trigger heap allocation anomalies. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1203 for exploitation of remote services, with potential lateral movement opportunities once initial compromise is achieved. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of MarkLogic 8.0-6 installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting the ability of untrusted users to submit documents that undergo HTML filtering transformations can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits of document processing workflows and input validation mechanisms should be performed to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the MarkLogic ecosystem or related applications that may be processing similar types of data inputs.