CVE-2002-0408 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
htcgibin.exe in Lotus Domino server 5.0.9a and earlier, when configured with the NoBanner setting, allows remote attackers to determine the version number of the server via a request that generates an HTTP 500 error code, which leaks the version in a hard-coded error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0408 affects Lotus Domino server versions 5.0.9a and earlier, specifically when configured with the NoBanner setting. This represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive version information to remote attackers. The vulnerability stems from the server's improper handling of error responses, where a hard-coded error message containing the version number is returned to clients when specific conditions are met. The issue occurs during the processing of requests that result in HTTP 500 error codes, which are generated when the server encounters internal processing issues. The NoBanner configuration setting, which is designed to suppress banner information in HTTP responses, fails to properly sanitize error messages, creating a security gap that undermines the intended security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between the HTTP request processing module and the error handling mechanism within the Lotus Domino server software. When a malicious request is processed through the htcgibin.exe component, the server generates an HTTP 500 error response containing a hardcoded string that includes the version number. This occurs because the error handling routine does not properly filter or sanitize the error message before transmission, allowing the version information to leak through the network interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it a low-effort information disclosure attack that can be performed by any remote attacker with network access to the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical information needed for subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the exact server version enables attackers to identify known vulnerabilities specific to that version, potentially leading to more serious security breaches. This information leakage can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to perform targeted exploitation, as attackers can cross-reference the disclosed version information with vulnerability databases and exploit kits. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of information hiding and defense in depth, as it exposes system internals that should remain hidden from external observers. The impact is particularly severe in environments where multiple Lotus Domino servers are deployed, as this information can be used to map the attack surface and prioritize targeting efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0408 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Lotus Domino server versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the issue was resolved in later releases through proper error message sanitization. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected server to untrusted networks. The NoBanner setting should be carefully reviewed and potentially disabled if it contributes to the vulnerability, though this may require careful consideration of other security implications. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of HTTP 500 error responses that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1082 (System Information Discovery), representing a common reconnaissance activity that precedes more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling practices and the need for comprehensive security testing that includes both functional and security aspects of web server components.