CVE-2001-1567 in Lotus Domino Server
Summary
by MITRE
Lotus Domino server 5.0.9a and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions and view Notes database files and possibly sensitive Notes template files (.ntf) via an HTTP request with a large number of "+" characters before the .nsf file extension, which are converted to spaces by Domino.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1567 represents a classic path traversal attack targeting IBM Lotus Domino server versions 5.0.9a and earlier. This security flaw exploits a fundamental weakness in how the Domino server processes HTTP requests containing specially crafted file paths with excessive plus characters. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of Notes database files with the .nsf extension and potentially sensitive template files with the .ntf extension. When an attacker submits an HTTP request containing a large number of plus characters before the .nsf file extension, the Domino server converts these plus characters to spaces during processing, effectively manipulating the file path resolution mechanism. This conversion process creates a scenario where the server interprets the maliciously constructed path as a legitimate request to access restricted database files that should normally be protected by security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path sanitization within the Domino server's HTTP request handling component. The server's inability to properly sanitize user-supplied input allows attackers to manipulate the file path resolution algorithm through the plus character conversion process. This flaw falls under the category of path traversal attacks as defined by CWE-22, where an attacker can manipulate file access requests to gain unauthorized access to resources outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers to bypass authentication and authorization mechanisms that should normally prevent access to sensitive Notes database files and template files, which often contain confidential business data, user information, and application logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive business data and application components that are critical to enterprise security. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can gain access to Notes database files that may contain confidential information, user credentials, business logic, and other sensitive data stored within the Domino environment. The ability to access .ntf template files is particularly dangerous as these files often contain application templates that may reveal implementation details, business processes, and potentially exploitable application logic. This vulnerability can be leveraged to conduct reconnaissance activities, extract sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the Domino environment, making it a significant threat to enterprise information security.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Lotus Domino server versions that have addressed this specific flaw, typically versions 5.0.10 and later. The fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of HTTP requests to prevent manipulation of file path resolution through character conversion techniques. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block suspicious HTTP requests containing excessive plus characters before they reach the Domino server. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of Domino servers to untrusted networks, while regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that no unauthorized access has occurred through exploitation of this vulnerability. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and addresses the underlying security controls necessary to prevent path traversal attacks as outlined in various security frameworks and standards.