CVE-2009-3469 in Lotus Connections
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in profiles/html/simpleSearch.do in IBM Lotus Connections 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3469 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Lotus Connections 2.0.1, specifically affecting the profiles/html/simpleSearch.do component. This vulnerability resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The affected parameter name serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications. The flaw enables attackers to exploit the trust relationship between legitimate users and the application, potentially leading to unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code within the name parameter of the simpleSearch.do endpoint. When the vulnerable application processes this input and displays it without proper sanitization or encoding, the injected script executes in the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions that the authenticated user is authorized to execute. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, targeting the user interface rendering process rather than underlying system components. IBM Lotus Connections 2.0.1's architecture processes user input through the simpleSearch functionality, making it susceptible to injection attacks that bypass traditional security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3469 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the context of the targeted organization's collaboration environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive information, or manipulate shared content within the Lotus Connections platform. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Lotus Connections serves as a corporate collaboration tool where users frequently engage in sensitive business communications and document sharing. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering campaigns, where attackers craft convincing phishing messages that contain malicious links. The persistence of the vulnerability means that once exploited, attackers can maintain access to the compromised user accounts and potentially gain access to the broader corporate network through the collaboration platform's integration points. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how a single XSS flaw can enable multiple attack phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3469 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls within the affected IBM Lotus Connections application. Organizations should implement proper parameter sanitization techniques that filter or encode special characters before processing user input, particularly targeting the name parameter in simpleSearch.do. The recommended approach involves applying context-specific encoding for HTML, JavaScript, and URL contexts to prevent script execution. Security patches and updates from IBM should be deployed immediately to address this vulnerability, as the vendor likely released remediation measures specifically targeting this XSS weakness. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls and content security policies that can detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns associated with XSS attack attempts. The implementation of proper access controls and session management practices can further reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the broader application ecosystem.