CVE-2009-5035 in Lotus Notes Traveler
Summary
by MITRE
The Nokia client in IBM Lotus Notes Traveler before 8.5.0.2 does not properly handle multiple outgoing e-mail messages between sync operations, which might allow remote attackers to read communications intended for other recipients by examining appended messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-5035 affects the Nokia client implementation within IBM Lotus Notes Traveler version 8.5.0.1 and earlier, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the confidentiality of email communications. This weakness stems from improper handling of email message synchronization processes, specifically when multiple outgoing messages are processed between sync operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the communication stack, where the synchronization protocol fails to adequately separate and isolate email messages intended for different recipients.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the Nokia client manages message queuing and transmission during the synchronization cycle. When multiple email messages are queued for delivery between sync operations, the system does not properly maintain message boundaries or recipient isolation. This improper message handling creates a scenario where appended messages can be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized recipients, effectively allowing attackers to access communications that should remain confidential. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses improper output neutralization for logs, and specifically relates to information exposure through improper message handling in mobile email synchronization contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it compromises the fundamental security principle of message confidentiality within enterprise email systems. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive communications, potentially including personal data, business confidential information, or proprietary communications. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it operates remotely without requiring authentication to the email system itself. This vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Lotus Notes Traveler with Nokia mobile devices, creating a significant risk for enterprises that rely on mobile email synchronization for business operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM Lotus Notes Traveler version 8.5.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the message handling flaw. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unusual email message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol traffic filtering, and represents a specific case of credential exposure through improper message handling. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their mobile email infrastructure to identify any other potential synchronization vulnerabilities and ensure proper message isolation mechanisms are in place. Additionally, organizations may need to implement message encryption and access control measures to provide defense-in-depth against similar information disclosure threats that could arise from improper synchronization protocols.