CVE-2006-4763 in Lotus Domino Web Access
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Lotus Domino Web Access (DWA) 7.0.1 does not expire a client s Lightweight Third-Party Authentication token (LtpaToken) upon logout, which allows remote attackers to obtain a user s privileges by intercepting the LtpaToken cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4763 represents a critical session management flaw in IBM Lotus Domino Web Access version 7.0.1 that directly impacts authentication security. This issue stems from improper token lifecycle management where the Lightweight Third-Party Authentication token fails to be invalidated when users log out of the system. The flaw exists within the web access component of IBM Lotus Domino, which is widely used for enterprise email and collaboration services. When users logout from the Domino Web Access interface, the system should invalidate the LtpaToken cookie that was issued during the authentication process to prevent further unauthorized access using that token. However, this validation mechanism is absent or flawed, leaving the token active and usable by attackers who manage to intercept it.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the interception of network traffic containing the LtpaToken cookie, typically occurring through man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, or compromised network infrastructure. The Lightweight Third-Party Authentication mechanism is designed to provide single sign-on capabilities across multiple applications and services within the Domino environment, but this convenience comes with significant security implications when token expiration is not properly enforced. Attackers can capture the token through various means including network monitoring tools, compromised client systems, or by exploiting weaknesses in the network infrastructure. Once intercepted, the attacker can use the valid LtpaToken to impersonate the legitimate user and gain access to the Domino Web Access system with the privileges of the compromised user.
This vulnerability has substantial operational impact as it effectively undermines the fundamental security principle of session termination and privilege isolation. The attack vector allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials, as the intercepted token is sufficient to gain access to protected resources. The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the compromised token may grant access to sensitive email communications, calendar data, contacts, and other collaboration features within the Domino environment. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in session management where tokens are not properly invalidated upon logout, falling under CWE-613. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such attacks are commonly executed.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing proper token invalidation mechanisms and enhancing network security controls. Organizations should ensure that IBM Lotus Domino Web Access is updated to versions that properly invalidate LtpaToken cookies upon logout, which would address the root cause of the issue. Network administrators should implement additional security measures including encrypted communications through HTTPS, proper network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems to prevent token interception. The implementation of additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication can provide defense-in-depth against token-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing session timeout mechanisms that automatically invalidate tokens after a period of inactivity, and regularly audit session management practices to ensure proper token lifecycle management. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual token usage patterns and unauthorized access attempts that may indicate token interception or reuse.