CVE-2002-0037 in Lotus Domino Server
Summary
by MITRE
Lotus Domino Servers 5.x, 4.6x, and 4.5x allows attackers to bypass the intended Reader and Author access list for a document s object via a Notes API call (NSFDbReadObject) that directly accesses the object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0037 represents a critical access control flaw in IBM Lotus Domino server versions 5.x, 4.6x, and 4.5x that fundamentally undermines the security model of document-level access controls. This weakness exists within the Notes Storage Facility (NSF) database structure and specifically targets the NSFDbReadObject API call which is designed to provide controlled access to document objects. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to documents that should be restricted based on Reader and Author access lists, effectively bypassing the intended security mechanisms that protect sensitive information within Domino databases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of access permissions within the Notes API layer. When the NSFDbReadObject function is invoked, it fails to properly verify whether the calling user possesses the necessary authorization to access the requested document object. This flaw allows attackers to directly access database objects without traversing the normal access control checks that would normally validate Reader and Author field permissions. The vulnerability operates at the database access layer, where the API call circumvents the standard Domino security framework that enforces document-level access controls. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checking, classified under CWE-285, which specifically addresses insufficient authorization within software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to access confidential documents that contain sensitive data protected by Reader and Author access lists. In enterprise environments running older Domino server versions, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to business-critical information, personal data, financial records, or proprietary documents that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely on Domino for email services, collaboration platforms, or document management systems where access control is paramount. Attackers could potentially extract intellectual property, customer information, or internal communications that would otherwise remain protected by the Domino security model.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through patching or upgrading to supported Lotus Domino versions that address the access control bypass issue. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing network segmentation to limit direct access to Domino servers, deploying additional access controls at the network level, and conducting thorough audits of document access permissions to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous API access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as attackers could leverage this flaw to gain access to documents they should not normally be able to read. Organizations must also ensure that all Domino servers are properly configured with the latest security patches and that proper access control auditing is implemented to prevent unauthorized document access through this and similar vulnerabilities.