CVE-2009-5033 in Lotus Notes Traveler
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Lotus Notes Traveler before 8.5.0.2 does not properly handle a "* *" argument sequence for a certain tell command, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain access to other users data via a sync operation, related to storage of the data of multiple users within the same thread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-5033 affects IBM Lotus Notes Traveler versions prior to 8.5.0.2 and represents a significant authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security boundaries between users within the same synchronization thread. This weakness stems from improper handling of specific argument sequences in the tell command functionality, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to access data belonging to other users within the system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when multiple user data is stored within the same thread context during synchronization operations, enabling malicious actors to exploit this design flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of command arguments where the sequence " " is processed incorrectly by the Lotus Notes Traveler server. When this specific argument pattern is passed through the tell command during synchronization, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing the attacker to traverse the normal access control mechanisms. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the data isolation mechanisms that should prevent one user's data from being accessible to another user within the same thread context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which deals with improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through application-level attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote authenticated users to access data belonging to other users without proper authorization. This creates a scenario where a compromised or malicious user account could potentially access sensitive information belonging to multiple users within the same synchronization thread. The attack vector requires only authentication to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing user credentials rather than requiring additional exploitation techniques. The scope of impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential information disclosure that could include personal data, business communications, and confidential organizational information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-5033 primarily involve upgrading to IBM Lotus Notes Traveler version 8.5.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper argument handling in the tell command. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of the Lotus Notes Traveler service to unauthorized users. Additional defensive measures include monitoring synchronization operations for anomalous argument patterns, implementing stricter input validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of the messaging infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and access control validation in multi-user systems, particularly those handling sensitive data in shared environments. Security teams should also consider implementing additional logging and monitoring for synchronization activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.