CVE-2007-3510 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the IMAP service in IBM Lotus Domino before 6.5.6 FP2, and 7.x before 7.0.3, allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long mailbox name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3510 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within IBM Lotus Domino's IMAP service implementation. This weakness affects versions prior to 6.5.6 FP2 and 7.0.3, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this email server platform. The vulnerability specifically targets the IMAP service which handles internet message access protocol connections, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise email infrastructure. The flaw manifests when the system processes mailbox names that exceed predetermined buffer limits, leading to potential code execution by authenticated attackers who can leverage this vulnerability from remote locations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. In the context of IBM Lotus Domino, the IMAP service fails to properly validate the length of mailbox names provided during authentication or mailbox access operations. When an authenticated user submits a mailbox name exceeding the allocated buffer space, the overflow can overwrite critical program memory, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the IMAP service process. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges and potentially gain full control over the email server infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Lotus Domino face significant risks including data exfiltration, unauthorized access to email communications, and potential lateral movement within their network. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first establish valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk since legitimate users with compromised accounts could be exploited. The vulnerability affects both Domino 6.x and 7.x series, creating widespread exposure across multiple generations of the platform and requiring comprehensive patch management across affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3510 should prioritize immediate deployment of IBM's security patches, specifically the fixes for versions 6.5.6 FP2 and 7.0.3, which address the buffer overflow conditions in the IMAP service. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to IMAP services and enforce strict authentication controls to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring for unusual mailbox name lengths and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of their email infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to avoid service disruptions while ensuring comprehensive protection against this specific buffer overflow vulnerability.