CVE-2003-0179 in Lotus Domino Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the COM Object Control Handler for Lotus Domino 6.0.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via multiple attack vectors, as demonstrated using the InitializeUsingNotesUserName method in the iNotes ActiveX control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0179 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the COM Object Control Handler of IBM Lotus Domino versions 6.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the iNotes ActiveX control implementation, which serves as a client-side interface for web-based email functionality within the Domino environment. The buffer overflow occurs when the InitializeUsingNotesUserName method processes user input without adequate bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the COM object handling mechanism. When the iNotes ActiveX control receives a malformed username parameter through the InitializeUsingNotesUserName method, the application fails to properly validate the input length against the allocated buffer space. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a widely deployed enterprise email system, providing attackers with a legitimate attack surface that can be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with multiple tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability enables initial access and privilege escalation through the exploitation of ActiveX controls, which falls under the ATT&CK technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" and "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads that may include remote access tools, data exfiltration utilities, or additional exploitation modules. The widespread adoption of Lotus Domino in enterprise environments means that successful exploitation could potentially compromise entire organizational email infrastructures, affecting thousands of users and sensitive business communications.
The vulnerability's exploitability across multiple attack vectors demonstrates the complexity of modern enterprise security challenges, particularly in legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates. Organizations using Lotus Domino 6.0.1 and earlier versions face significant risk exposure, as the buffer overflow can be triggered through various attack paths including web browser interactions, email attachments, or specially crafted web pages. This vulnerability type is categorized under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and also relates to CWE-122 for "Heap-based Buffer Overflow," indicating the potential for both stack and heap memory corruption during exploitation attempts. The security implications extend to data integrity and confidentiality, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive email communications, calendar entries, and contact information stored within the Domino environment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest Lotus Domino versions, disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.