CVE-2018-7659 in OpenText Documentum D2
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenText Documentum D2 Webtop v4.6.0030 build 059, a Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability could potentially be exploited by malicious users to compromise the affected system via a filename of an uploaded image file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7659 resides within OpenText Documentum D2 Webtop version 4.6.0030 build 059, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the system to potential compromise through malicious user exploitation. This issue manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that specifically targets the file upload functionality of the web application, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over time. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, particularly when processing image file names submitted by users.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to inject malicious script code into the filename of uploaded image files, which then gets stored within the application's database and subsequently executed whenever the filename is rendered in the user interface. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial upload, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect all users who encounter the compromised file listing. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to persistent security breaches in web applications. The attack vector exploits the web application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing and rendering it, creating a direct pathway for malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the Documentum D2 Webtop environment. Once exploited, the stored XSS could enable attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The implications are particularly severe given that Documentum D2 Webtop is typically used for document management and collaboration, meaning that compromised systems could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive business documents and intellectual property. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shells, and could potentially facilitate further exploitation through session hijacking or privilege escalation. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes this vulnerability especially dangerous in multi-user environments where the malicious payload could affect numerous system users over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7659 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the file upload functionality of the Documentum D2 Webtop application. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability, as OpenText would have released remediation measures to fix the input validation issues. Additionally, implementing proper filename sanitization techniques that strip or encode potentially malicious characters from uploaded filenames can effectively prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Network-based security controls including web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns and cross-site scripting attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against XSS exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the implemented mitigations are effective and to identify any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the Documentum D2 Webtop environment. Organizations should also consider implementing file type validation and extension checking to prevent the upload of potentially malicious files, while maintaining audit logs of all file upload activities to detect anomalous behavior patterns.