CVE-2000-1046 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the ESMTP service of Lotus Domino 5.0.2c and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via long (1) "RCPT TO," (2) "SAML FROM," or (3) "SOML FROM" commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1046 represents a critical security flaw in the ESMTP service of IBM Lotus Domino versions 5.0.2c and earlier. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur when processing specific email commands, creating significant risks for organizations relying on this email server platform. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of three distinct command types: "RCPT TO," "SAML FROM," and "SOML FROM" commands, which are fundamental components of the email transfer process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ESMTP service of Lotus Domino. When the server receives email commands containing excessively long parameter strings, it fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it affects core email functionality commands that are routinely processed by email servers, making exploitation both feasible and impactful.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for affected organizations. The primary impact is denial of service, where attackers can crash the ESMTP service and render the email server unavailable to legitimate users. However, the potential for arbitrary code execution adds an additional layer of risk that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the server. This capability transforms what might initially appear as a simple service disruption into a full compromise of the email infrastructure, potentially enabling further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the fundamental email delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for business email systems.
The security implications extend beyond immediate service disruption to encompass broader system compromise possibilities. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows. These classifications highlight the fundamental nature of the flaw as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through improper input handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving command and control communications, service execution, and privilege escalation, as attackers could potentially use the compromised server to launch further attacks or maintain persistent access to the network.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for Lotus Domino 5.0.2c and earlier versions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable ESMTP service to untrusted networks. Monitoring for unusual email traffic patterns and command sequences could help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and configuring the server to limit command parameter lengths can provide additional defense in depth. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping email server software updated and maintaining robust security practices for critical infrastructure components.