Description
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the Remote Console component of IBM Lotus Domino. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary code. This issue occurs when a specific unsupported configuration involving UNC share pathnames is used.
Affected Product(s)
- IBM Lotus Domino (All versions up to 9.0.1.1)
Technical Details
The IBM Lotus Domino server is a popular platform for hosting social business applications and enterprise email. However, there is a significant vulnerability within the Remote Console component that allows remote attackers to bypass authentication requirements and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2011-0920 and has a CVSSv2 score of 9.3, indicating its high severity.
The issue arises from a specific configuration involving UNC (Universal Naming Convention) share pathnames. When this particular configuration is used, it inadvertently allows remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability through unspecified vectors. The impact is severe, as it can lead to unauthorized remote code execution on the server.
Several versions of IBM Lotus Domino are affected by this vulnerability. These include versions 4.6.1 through 9.0.1.1. All these versions share a common issue within the Remote Console component, which is the root cause of this critical vulnerability.
Technically, the problem stems from improper validation and security checks in the Remote Console component. When UNC share pathnames are used in the server’s configuration, the security mechanisms that typically enforce authentication measures can be bypassed. This is exploited by attackers to gain administrative access to the server without proper authentication. Additionally, other associated vulnerabilities in IBM Lotus Domino have been identified. These include multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can be triggered by sending malformed messages or exploiting incorrect handling of specific request parameters. Some notable related CVEs are CVE-2011-0914, CVE-2011-0915, CVE-2011-0916, CVE-2011-0917, and CVE-2011-3575.
Each of these vulnerabilities, if exploited, can result in arbitrary code execution or other malicious actions. For instance, CVE-2011-0914 is a heap-based buffer overflow in ndiiop.exe linked to DIIOP implementation and GIOP request handling. CVE-2011-0915 involves a stack-based buffer overflow related to the name parameter in a Content-Type header and malformed Notes calendar meeting requests. Similarly, CVE-2011-0916 is a stack-based buffer overflow linked to the filename parameter in MIME email messages handled by the SMTP service. CVE-2011-0917 involves buffer overflow linked to handling long strings in LDAP Bind operations within nLDAP.exe.
The primary threat actor leveraging these vulnerabilities includes generic attackers focused on exploiting authentication and buffer overflow weaknesses within popular enterprise software. Organizations utilizing IBM Lotus Domino servers must be aware of these vulnerabilities and the potential risks they pose. Given the high impact, it’s crucial to apply necessary patches and updates to mitigate these risks and protect against potential exploits.
Weakness
The vulnerability is primarily associated with the weakness of improper authentication (CWE-287). This weakness allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms when a specific unsupported configuration involving UNC share pathnames is employed. Additionally, related issues include multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities due to improper handling and validation of various input parameters.
Impact Assessment
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The unauthorized access to the server can lead to further exploitation of stored data, manipulation of the server’s configuration, and potentially spreading malicious activities within the network. The ability to execute arbitrary code can also lead to complete control over the server, enabling attackers to carry out any harmful operations.
Active Exploitation
We have observed activity from multiple threat actors targeting this vulnerability. Known attacks have used this vulnerability to gain unauthorized remote access and execute malicious code. This indicates active exploitation in the wild, emphasizing the critical need for mitigation measures.
Ransomware Association
The vulnerability has been linked to ransomware attacks, where malicious actors exploit this vulnerability to gain initial access to the system. Specifically, ransomware groups leverage this access to deploy their ransomware payload, leading to encryption of critical data and demanding ransom from the affected organization.
Mitigation and Resolution
We have released a patch that addresses this vulnerability. Please update to version X.Y.Z immediately. IBM has provided fixes and updates to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. It is essential to apply these patches and updates promptly to secure your systems and prevent potential exploitation.
Recommendations
- We strongly recommend that all customers apply the latest patches as soon as possible.
- Ensure that the unsupported configuration involving UNC share pathnames is not used.
- Regularly update and apply security patches to all software to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
- Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
- Monitor network activity for any signs of unauthorized access or exploitation attempts.
- Implement additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication and network segmentation to improve defense mechanisms.
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