CVE-2022-45927 in Content Suite Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2023
An issue was discovered in OpenText Content Suite Platform 22.1 (16.2.19.1803). The Java application server can be used to bypass the authentication of the QDS endpoints of the Content Server. These endpoints can be used to create objects and execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45927 affects OpenText Content Suite Platform version 22.1, specifically targeting the Java application server component that governs the Content Server's QDS endpoints. This authentication bypass flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the platform's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability resides within the server's authorization framework, where proper authentication checks fail to validate user credentials before granting access to sensitive administrative functions. The QDS endpoints, which are designed for query and data services within the content management system, become dangerously accessible without proper authentication, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in the Java application server's request processing logic where authentication tokens or session validation mechanisms are either improperly implemented or bypassed entirely. When legitimate authentication attempts fail to properly validate user credentials, attackers can manipulate HTTP requests to access QDS endpoints that should only be available to authenticated administrators. This authentication bypass allows malicious actors to create arbitrary objects within the content management system and execute code on the server, effectively granting them full administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that these endpoints are designed to handle sensitive operations that typically require elevated permissions, making the bypass particularly dangerous for enterprise content management systems.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary code execution and object creation within the Content Server environment. This capability allows threat actors to establish persistent access, modify content, manipulate user permissions, and potentially escalate their privileges further within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using OpenText Content Suite Platform 22.1, which may include critical enterprise applications for document management, digital asset management, and content workflow automation. Given the nature of content management systems, successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, content tampering, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant concern for organizations that rely on content management platforms for sensitive business data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates to address the authentication bypass vulnerability in OpenText Content Suite Platform 22.1. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to QDS endpoints, particularly from untrusted networks. Implementing additional authentication layers, such as multi-factor authentication, can provide defense in depth against potential exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of access to administrative endpoints, and regular security audits should be conducted to verify proper authentication mechanisms are functioning correctly. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and access control measures to prevent exploitation and maintain system integrity.