CVE-2020-4759 in FileNet Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2020
IBM FileNet Content Manager 5.5.4 and 5.5.5 is potentially vulnerable to CVS Injection. A remote attacker could execute arbitrary commands on the system, caused by improper validation of csv file contents. IBM X-Force ID: 188736.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2020
IBM FileNet Content Manager version 5.5.4 and 5.5.5 contains a critical vulnerability classified as CSV Injection that presents significant security risks to organizations relying on this document management platform. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the system's handling of comma-separated values files, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes csv files without adequate sanitization of user-supplied data, enabling malicious actors to inject command sequences that bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically in the context of command injection flaws. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious csv files containing specially formatted command sequences that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system when the application processes these files. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before processing it, creating a path for attackers to leverage the system's legitimate file processing capabilities for malicious purposes. This type of injection attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques, specifically targeting process injection and execution of malicious code through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations utilizing IBM FileNet Content Manager in production environments face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, potential privilege escalation to system administrator levels, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network-based security controls insufficient for protection. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, increasing the attack surface and requiring comprehensive patch management across all affected installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of IBM's official security patches and updates to address the CSV injection flaw in FileNet Content Manager versions 5.5.4 and 5.5.5. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls and sanitize all csv file contents before processing, employing parameterized queries and input filtering mechanisms to prevent command injection attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected systems, while monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual file processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. Security teams must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing command injection attacks targeting document management systems. Regular security awareness training for administrators and developers should emphasize secure coding practices and input validation techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications that interact with similar file processing functionalities.