CVE-2017-5586 in OpenText Documentum D2
Summary
by MITRE
OpenText Documentum D2 (formerly EMC Documentum D2) 4.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object, related to the BeanShell (bsh) and Apache Commons Collections (ACC) libraries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5586 affects OpenText Documentum D2 version 4.x and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that leverages deserialization vulnerabilities within the application's processing of Java objects. This weakness exists in the interaction between the BeanShell scripting engine and Apache Commons Collections library, creating a dangerous attack surface where maliciously crafted serialized objects can be executed without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of serialized data, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of the Java deserialization process where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming serialized objects before processing them. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that contain malicious code within the BeanShell context, which when deserialized by the vulnerable application can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the application process. The exploitation chain typically involves leveraging the Apache Commons Collections library's ability to create chains of method calls through reflection, combined with BeanShell's scripting capabilities to achieve remote code execution. This flaw falls under the category of deserialization vulnerabilities that are commonly classified as CWE-502, which specifically addresses the deserialization of untrusted data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected Documentum D2 server. An attacker can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the document management system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit enterprise document repositories. Organizations using this version of Documentum D2 face significant risk, as the attack can be executed without requiring any prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the system is exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing services. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread use of Java-based applications that may be vulnerable to similar deserialization flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5586 should include immediate patching of the affected software to the latest available version that addresses the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Documentum D2 server and restrict direct internet exposure where possible. The implementation of strict input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring and logging of deserialization activities should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers may leverage legitimate administrative accounts to maintain persistence. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies, disabling unnecessary Java deserialization features, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their document management infrastructure. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new issues in the application's functionality.