CVE-2017-7221 in Documentum Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
OpenText Documentum Content Server has an inadequate protection mechanism against SQL injection, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code with super-user privileges by leveraging the availability of the dm_bp_transition docbase method with a user-created dm_procedure object, as demonstrated by use of a backspace character in an injected string. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-2513.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7221 affects OpenText Documentum Content Server, a comprehensive enterprise content management platform widely deployed in corporate environments for document storage and workflow automation. This security flaw represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that undermines the system's database access controls and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the dm_bp_transition docbase method, which is designed to manage business process transitions within the Documentum environment, making it a core component of the system's operational functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of user input within the dm_procedure object creation process, which allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL code into database queries. The attack vector specifically leverages the backspace character as a means of bypassing input validation mechanisms that were previously thought to provide adequate protection. This represents an incomplete remediation of the earlier CVE-2014-2513 vulnerability, where the initial fix failed to address all possible injection points within the system's database interaction framework. The flaw exists at the application layer where user-provided data is processed without proper sanitization before being incorporated into database commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote authenticated users to escalate their privileges to super-user level access, potentially compromising the entire content management infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, gaining access to sensitive corporate documents, user credentials, and system configuration data. The implications extend beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data corruption, and disruption of business operations that rely on Documentum for critical content management processes. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that depend on Documentum for regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and business-critical document workflows.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate patching of the Documentum Content Server to address the SQL injection flaws in the dm_bp_transition method and dm_procedure object handling. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as a fundamental weakness in application input validation, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on database interaction points within the Documentum environment to identify similar incomplete remediation patterns that may exist in other components of the system.