CVE-2021-38118 in iManager
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2024
Possible improper input validation Vulnerability
in iManager has been discovered in OpenText™ iManager 3.2.4.0000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38118 represents a critical input validation weakness within OpenText™ iManager version 3.2.4.0000, a comprehensive enterprise content management platform widely deployed in organizational environments. This flaw manifests as an improper input validation issue that could potentially allow malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted inputs that bypass intended security controls. The vulnerability exists within the input processing mechanisms of iManager, specifically affecting how the system validates and sanitizes user-provided data before further processing or execution. Such weaknesses are particularly dangerous in enterprise applications where iManager serves as a central management interface for content operations and administrative functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness in software design where applications fail to properly validate input data. This particular implementation flaw likely occurs in the data parsing or sanitization components of iManager's web interface or API endpoints. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious payloads, manipulate system behavior, or bypass authentication mechanisms depending on how the input validation is implemented within the application's architecture. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by iManager's role as a management interface that typically requires elevated privileges and handles sensitive administrative operations.
The operational implications of CVE-2021-38118 extend beyond simple data corruption or system instability, as the vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to administrative functions within the OpenText iManager environment. Organizations relying on this platform for content management, document workflow, and enterprise collaboration may face significant security risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's presence in version 3.2.4.0000 suggests this is likely a regression or oversight in the input validation logic that was introduced in a recent release, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have recently upgraded their iManager installations. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks where iManager is deployed, as attackers could use this vulnerability to gain footholds in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38118 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected OpenText iManager version, as vendors typically provide security updates to address such input validation flaws. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of iManager interfaces to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their iManager deployments to identify any additional input validation weaknesses that may exist within the broader application ecosystem. The remediation process should include validating that all user inputs are properly sanitized and that the application enforces strict validation rules before processing any external data. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting official patches from OpenText.