CVE-2004-2311 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in webadmin.nsf in Lotus Domino R6 6.5.1 allows local users to create folders or determine the existence of files via a .. (dot dot) in the new folder dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2311 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Lotus Domino web administration interface, specifically affecting version 6.5.1 of the software. This vulnerability exists in the webadmin.nsf component which serves as the web-based administrative interface for managing Lotus Domino servers. The flaw manifests when local users interact with the new folder creation dialog, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative context of the server, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the file system through crafted input sequences that include the .. (dot dot) notation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the webadmin.nsf application. When users attempt to create new folders through the web interface, the system does not properly sanitize the folder names or paths provided in the new folder dialog. This allows malicious input containing directory traversal sequences to bypass normal path validation checks. The .. (dot dot) notation, when processed by the vulnerable application, can cause the system to navigate up directory levels in the file system structure, potentially enabling unauthorized access to files or directories that should be protected. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Lotus Domino server security and integrity. Local users with access to the web administration interface can exploit this flaw to create folders in unintended locations within the file system, potentially leading to privilege escalation or information disclosure. The ability to determine the existence of files through this vulnerability means that attackers can perform reconnaissance activities to map the server's file structure and identify sensitive files or directories. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, and T1566, which covers credential access through various means including file system manipulation.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive server configuration files, database files, or other administrative resources that should be protected from local users. The vulnerability's local nature means that it requires an existing local account or access to the administrative interface, but once exploited, it can provide significant access to the underlying file system. Organizations running Lotus Domino R6 6.5.1 systems should consider this vulnerability as a critical security concern, particularly in environments where local access to administrative interfaces is not properly restricted or monitored. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in server-side applications. Remediation efforts should focus on implementing proper path validation, input sanitization, and ensuring that administrative interfaces properly enforce access controls to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the file system through directory traversal techniques.