CVE-2001-1161 in Domino Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (CSS) vulnerability in Lotus Domino 5.0.6 allows remote attackers to execute script on other web clients via a URL that ends in Javascript, which generates an error message that does not quote the resulting script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1161 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw affecting IBM Lotus Domino version 5.0.6, specifically within its web client component. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or quote user-supplied data when generating error messages. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL that terminates with javascript code, exploiting the application's failure to sanitize the script content during error message generation.
This particular implementation flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where the web application fails to validate or escape user-provided input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability exists because the Lotus Domino web server does not properly quote or escape the javascript code that appears in error messages, allowing the script to execute within the context of other users' browsers who encounter the malicious URL. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface components of the Domino server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When victims navigate to the crafted URL, their browsers execute the embedded javascript code, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious content into the victim's browsing session. The vulnerability affects all users who access the Domino web interface and are exposed to the malicious URL, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users share the same application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1161 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output sanitization techniques to prevent script injection. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or quoted before being incorporated into web responses, particularly in error message contexts. The most effective approach involves implementing a comprehensive input filtering mechanism that strips or encodes potentially dangerous characters, combined with output encoding that ensures all dynamic content is properly escaped for the target context. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of Lotus Domino 5.0.6 or applying the relevant security updates from IBM would provide the most robust defense against this vulnerability. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can also provide additional protective layers, though these measures should complement rather than replace proper input validation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from cross-site scripting attacks.