CVE-2024-12862 is an incorrect authorization vulnerability (CWE-863) identified in the OpenText Content Server REST API, affecting versions 20.2 through 24.4 on Windows and Linux platforms. The vulnerability allows users who do not possess the appropriate permissions to remove external collaborators from the Content Server environment. OpenText Content Server is an enterprise content management system widely used for document management, collaboration, and workflow automation. The REST API is a critical interface for programmatic access and management of content and user permissions. The flaw lies in insufficient authorization checks within the API endpoints responsible for managing external collaborators, enabling unauthorized users to manipulate collaborator access rights. While the vulnerability does not require user interaction, it does require the attacker to have some level of authenticated access to the system, though not necessarily elevated privileges. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no official patches have been released yet. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on April 21, 2025, and is classified as medium severity by the vendor. The issue impacts the confidentiality and integrity of collaboration data by allowing unauthorized removal of collaborators, potentially disrupting business workflows and causing loss of access for legitimate external partners. Availability impact is limited but possible if collaboration disruptions affect operational continuity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the integrity and confidentiality of collaborative environments, especially in sectors relying heavily on external partnerships such as legal, financial services, manufacturing, and public administration. Unauthorized removal of external collaborators can lead to loss of critical document access, disruption of joint projects, and potential data leakage if malicious actors manipulate collaborator lists to cover tracks or isolate legitimate users. Given the widespread adoption of OpenText Content Server in Europe, particularly among large enterprises and government agencies, exploitation could undermine trust in managed content workflows and delay critical business processes. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain to escalate privileges or conduct insider threat activities. While no active exploitation is reported, the medium severity rating suggests organizations should prioritize assessment and mitigation to prevent potential abuse. The impact is heightened in regulated industries subject to strict data governance and compliance requirements, where unauthorized changes to collaborator access could lead to regulatory violations or audit failures.

Organizations should immediately audit their OpenText Content Server deployments to identify affected versions (20.2 through 24.4) and restrict access to the REST API to trusted and authenticated users only. Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit API access to authorized management systems and administrators. Monitor API usage logs for unusual collaborator removal activities or unauthorized access attempts. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users with access to Content Server management interfaces to reduce risk of credential compromise. Until an official patch is released, consider temporarily disabling or restricting the REST API endpoints related to collaborator management if feasible. Conduct regular reviews of external collaborator lists to detect unauthorized changes. Engage with OpenText support channels for updates on patches or workarounds. Additionally, integrate Content Server monitoring with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to enable real-time alerting on suspicious authorization anomalies. Train administrators and users on the risks of improper collaborator management and enforce the principle of least privilege for all user roles.