CVE-2021-44035 in TeamMate AM
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2021
Wolters Kluwer TeamMate AM 12.4 Update 1 mishandles attachment uploads, such that an authenticated user may download and execute malicious files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-44035 affects Wolters Kluwer TeamMate AM 12.4 Update 1 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file attachment handling mechanism. This issue stems from improper validation and sanitization of uploaded files, creating a pathway for authenticated users to potentially compromise the system through malicious file execution. The vulnerability exists within the application's attachment processing logic where it fails to adequately verify file types, content, or execution permissions before allowing file storage and retrieval. Such a flaw enables attackers who have already gained authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively undermining the application's security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in input validation that allows malicious attachments to bypass normal security checks. When users upload files through the TeamMate AM interface, the system does not properly enforce file type restrictions or content analysis, enabling attackers to upload files with potentially harmful extensions or embedded malicious code. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-434, which covers unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data enters the system without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with legitimate access credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it enables arbitrary code execution and potential system compromise. An authenticated attacker could upload malicious files such as executable programs, scripts, or documents containing embedded exploits that would execute when accessed by other users or system processes. This creates a persistent threat vector that could lead to data exfiltration, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using TeamMate AM for collaborative document management, where users frequently upload and share files, making the attack surface more extensive and the potential damage more significant.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-44035 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures including mandatory file type validation, content scanning, and execution permission controls. Organizations should implement strict file extension filtering to prevent upload of executable files or scripts, while also deploying automated malware scanning for all uploaded attachments. The system should enforce proper file handling procedures that prevent automatic execution of downloaded files and implement sandboxing for suspicious file analysis. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure file handling practices and the need for comprehensive security controls throughout the application lifecycle. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts for maintaining access, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that address both authentication and file handling controls.