CVE-2008-1216 in Lotus Quickr Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Lotus Quickr 8.0 server, and possibly QuickPlace 7.x, does not properly identify URIs containing cross-site scripting (XSS) attack strings, which allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a Calendar OpenDocument action to main.nsf with a Count parameter containing a JavaScript event in a malformed element, as demonstrated by an onload event in an IFRAME element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2017
This vulnerability exists in IBM Lotus Quickr 8.0 server and potentially QuickPlace 7.x applications where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize Uniform Resource Identifiers containing cross-site scripting attack vectors. The flaw specifically manifests when processing Calendar OpenDocument actions directed to the main.nsf database, where a maliciously crafted Count parameter can contain JavaScript event handlers within malformed HTML elements. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through carefully constructed input that bypasses the application's security controls. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious content into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Lotus Quickr application's URI processing pipeline. When the application receives a Calendar OpenDocument request with a malformed Count parameter containing JavaScript events such as onload within IFRAME elements, the system fails to properly identify or neutralize the malicious content. This processing gap occurs at the server-side input handling level, where the application does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable code. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper HTML escaping and input validation in the parameter parsing logic, allowing attackers to inject script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions and data integrity. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking by injecting malicious scripts that capture authentication tokens or cookies, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts. The attack vector through the main.nsf database makes this particularly dangerous as it targets core application functionality, allowing attackers to manipulate calendar events and potentially access sensitive organizational data. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used to redirect users to malicious websites, install malware, or perform other malicious activities that exploit the trust relationship between the application and its users.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization measures, proper HTML escaping of all user-supplied content, and regular security updates from IBM. Network segmentation and monitoring of suspicious URI patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and follows attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under web application attacks and credential access techniques. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious URI patterns and establish proper input validation policies that prevent JavaScript execution in user-controllable parameters. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting attacks.