CVE-2007-6594 in Lotus Notes
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Lotus Notes 8 for Linux before 8.0.1 uses (1) unspecified weak permissions for the installation kit obtained through a Notes 8 download and (2) 0777 permissions for the installdata file that is created by setup.sh, which allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6594 affects IBM Lotus Notes 8 for Linux systems prior to version 8.0.1, presenting significant security risks through improper file permissions during the installation process. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the software's installation methodology that could be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the installation kit distribution mechanism and the setup script execution environment, creating pathways for privilege escalation through malicious file manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from two primary permission-related issues that collectively create a privilege escalation vector. First, the installation kit obtained through the Notes 8 download process utilizes unspecified weak permissions that do not adequately restrict access to sensitive installation components. Second, the setup.sh script creates an installdata file with overly permissive 0777 permissions, which grants read, write, and execute access to all users on the system. This combination of weak permissions creates an environment where local users can manipulate installation files and potentially inject malicious code that will execute with elevated privileges during the installation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise potential. When local users can manipulate installation files with 0777 permissions, they can create Trojan horse files that will be executed with the privileges of the installation process. This scenario allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, when the system is already in a state of elevated privilege execution, making the attack surface particularly dangerous. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect permissions for a resource, and CWE-732, which covers incorrect permission assignment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques under privilege escalation and persistence. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access through the installation process, potentially creating backdoors or other malicious components that survive system reboots. The attack vector specifically involves local users who can manipulate files during installation, making it difficult to detect through network-based monitoring systems. Organizations running affected versions of IBM Lotus Notes 8 for Linux face significant risk of unauthorized privilege escalation, which could lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected IBM Lotus Notes 8 for Linux installations to version 8.0.1 or later, which addresses the permission issues in the installation process. System administrators should also implement proper file permission auditing to identify and correct any remaining weak permissions in installation directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mandatory access controls and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include verification that installation files are properly secured with restrictive permissions and that no files exist with overly permissive 0777 settings during installation processes. Network segmentation and monitoring of installation activities can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.