CVE-2002-1624 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Lotus Domino web server before R5.0.10, when logging to DOMLOG.NSF, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP Authenticate header containing certain non-ASCII characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1624 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within IBM Lotus Domino web server software prior to version R5.0.10. This security weakness specifically manifests when the web server attempts to log HTTP authentication requests to the DOMLOG.NSF database file, creating a scenario where improperly handled input data can lead to system instability and potential code execution. The vulnerability exploits the server's insufficient validation of the HTTP Authenticate header parameter, which is commonly used during the authentication process between web clients and the Domino server.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization within the web server's logging mechanism. When a remote attacker submits a specially crafted HTTP Authenticate header containing extended ASCII characters or binary data exceeding the allocated buffer size, the system fails to properly handle this overflow condition. This buffer overflow condition occurs within the DOMLOG.NSF logging subsystem where the server attempts to store authentication information, leading to memory corruption that can result in program termination or potentially allow arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the web server component's handling of authentication headers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication to the system itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the potential for remote code execution creates significant risk for organizations relying on Lotus Domino servers for email and collaboration services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to crash the Domino web server, disrupting business operations and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. The attack vector requires only sending a malformed HTTP request to the web server, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected system. This vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of IBM Lotus Domino, particularly those that have not applied the necessary security patches, leaving them exposed to potential compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for Lotus Domino R5.0.10 and later versions, which address the buffer overflow condition in the DOMLOG.NSF logging mechanism. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the Domino web server to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary web server functionality and implementing input validation controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can lead to system compromise. The attack pattern follows typical remote exploitation techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams managing legacy Domino infrastructure.