CVE-2003-1408 in Domino Server
Summary
by MITRE
Lotus Domino Server 5.0 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to read the source code for files via an HTTP request with a filename with a trailing dot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1408 affects IBM Lotus Domino Server versions 5.0 and 6.0, representing a significant security flaw in web application handling that enables remote code execution through improper file path resolution. This issue stems from a directory traversal vulnerability where the web server fails to properly validate file names containing trailing dots, allowing malicious actors to access sensitive server files and source code through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The flaw specifically manifests when the server processes filenames that end with a dot character, which should normally be rejected or properly sanitized by the web server's file access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in the Lotus Domino Server's HTTP request processing mechanism. When a remote attacker submits an HTTP request containing a filename with a trailing dot, the server's file resolution logic incorrectly interprets this input, potentially allowing access to files outside the intended web root directory. This behavior violates standard security practices for input validation and access control enforcement, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited to read arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files, source code repositories, and other critical system components that may contain authentication credentials, database connection strings, or other sensitive data. This exposure creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on Lotus Domino Server for email and collaboration services, as the compromise of source code can reveal implementation details that aid in developing more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects both versions 5.0 and 6.0, indicating this was a persistent flaw in the server's architecture that required patching across multiple releases, and it represents a critical security gap that could enable full system compromise through information gathering and subsequent exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the appropriate security patches released by IBM, configuring web server access controls to prevent directory traversal attempts, and implementing input validation mechanisms to reject filenames containing trailing dots or other suspicious characters. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be employed to restrict access to Domino Server components, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized access paths exist. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes discovering file and directory permissions, and T1566, covering credential access through various methods. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and access control implementation, as outlined in security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasize the critical need for validating all user inputs and implementing least privilege access controls to prevent unauthorized file access and system compromise.