CVE-2017-5585 in Documentum Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
OpenText Documentum Content Server (formerly EMC Documentum Content Server) 7.3, when PostgreSQL Database is used and return_top_results_row_based config option is false, does not properly restrict DQL hints, which allows remote authenticated users to conduct DQL injection attacks and execute arbitrary DML or DDL commands via a crafted request. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-2520.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5585 affects OpenText Documentum Content Server version 7.3 when configured to use PostgreSQL as its database backend. This security flaw represents a critical injection vulnerability that exploits improper handling of DQL (Document Query Language) hints within the content management system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the return_top_results_row_based configuration option is set to false, creating an exploitable condition that enables authenticated attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted requests.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and sanitization of DQL hints within the Documentum Content Server's query processing mechanism. When PostgreSQL is used as the backend database, the system fails to properly restrict or escape special characters and commands that are part of DQL syntax. This incomplete input validation allows attackers to inject malicious DQL constructs that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables execution of arbitrary DML (Data Manipulation Language) and DDL (Data Definition Language) commands, giving attackers the ability to modify database structures, delete data, or extract sensitive information from the content repository.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Documentum Content Server for document management and content storage. The requirement for authenticated access means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once inside the system, they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and execute database-level operations. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers can potentially corrupt database schemas, modify access controls, or even establish persistent backdoors within the content management infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Documentum serves as a central repository for sensitive corporate information, intellectual property, or regulated content that requires strict access controls and audit trails.
The security implications of CVE-2017-5585 align with CWE-94, which categorizes the issue as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" vulnerability. This classification reflects the system's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before executing database operations, creating a code injection vector that can be exploited to execute arbitrary commands. Additionally, the vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell", in scenarios where attackers might leverage the database injection capabilities to execute system commands or establish persistence mechanisms. Organizations should note that this vulnerability represents a regression or incomplete remediation of the earlier CVE-2014-2520, indicating that previous security measures were insufficient to fully address the underlying injection flaws in the system's query processing architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5585 should focus on both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately disable or carefully review the return_top_results_row_based configuration option when using PostgreSQL backend, or implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all DQL queries. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive query parameterization, strict input filtering, and regular security assessments of database interactions within the Documentum environment. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege access controls, implement robust monitoring for suspicious database activities, and ensure that all Documentum instances are updated to versions that properly address this vulnerability through complete code fixes rather than partial workarounds.