CVE-2002-2191 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Lotus Domino 5.0.9a and earlier, even when configured with the DominoNoBanner=1 option, allows remote attackers to obtain potential sensitive information such as the version via a request for a non-existent .nsf database, which leaks the version in the HTTP banner.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
This vulnerability exists in IBM Lotus Domino versions 5.0.9a and earlier, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that undermines the security posture of email and collaboration servers. The issue stems from the server's improper handling of requests for non-existent .nsf database files, where the system inadvertently reveals its version information through the HTTP response banner despite administrator attempts to suppress this data. The DominoNoBanner=1 configuration option was designed to prevent such version disclosures, but this vulnerability demonstrates how certain request patterns can bypass these protections. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the HTTP server component that processes database access requests. Attackers can exploit this by sending crafted HTTP requests targeting non-existent .nsf files, which triggers the server to respond with version information in the HTTP header, effectively leaking sensitive system details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the server's default behavior when encountering malformed or non-existent database requests. When a client requests a database that does not exist, the Domino server responds with an error message that includes version information, typically in the Server header of the HTTP response. This occurs because the server's error handling routine does not properly filter version data even when the DominoNoBanner=1 setting is enabled. The vulnerability specifically affects the HTTP server implementation within Lotus Domino, where the server's response generation logic fails to sanitize version information from error responses. This represents a failure in input validation and output sanitization, commonly categorized under CWE-200 Information Exposure, where sensitive system information is unintentionally disclosed to unauthorized parties. The attack vector requires only basic HTTP request capabilities and does not require authentication or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple version disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical information for subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the specific Domino version allows threat actors to identify known vulnerabilities and exploits that may be applicable to the target system, significantly reducing the effort required for further attacks. This information leakage can facilitate privilege escalation attacks, denial of service conditions, and other malicious activities that target specific versions of the software. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by any remote attacker without requiring authentication, making it a low-hanging fruit for reconnaissance activities. Organizations running affected versions of Lotus Domino may unknowingly expose their infrastructure to targeted attacks, as the disclosed version information can be used to map the attack surface and plan more sophisticated exploitation strategies. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to gain deeper insights into the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of Lotus Domino, as IBM released updates specifically addressing this information disclosure issue. Organizations should immediately implement the latest security patches and service packs available for their Domino installations, as these updates correct the flawed HTTP response handling behavior. The DominoNoBanner=1 configuration option should be properly verified and tested to ensure it functions correctly, though this may not be sufficient as a standalone mitigation. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual patterns of requests targeting non-existent databases, which could indicate exploitation attempts. The use of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious requests designed to trigger this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in their infrastructure, as this issue demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration flaws can create significant security risks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082 System Information Discovery, where adversaries gather information about the target system, and T1592 Asset Discovery, where attackers identify and map their targets for later exploitation. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the server inadvertently provides more information than necessary to unauthorized parties, violating security best practices for information access control.