CVE-2010-2279 in Lotus Connections
Summary
by MITRE
The Top Updates implementation in the Homepage component in IBM Lotus Connections 2.5.x before 2.5.0.2, when "forced SSL" is enabled, uses http for links, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2279 resides within IBM Lotus Connections 2.5.x versions prior to 2.5.0.2, specifically affecting the Homepage component's Top Updates implementation. This security flaw manifests when the system operates with "forced SSL" enabled, creating a critical inconsistency in how external links are handled. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure hyperlink generation where the system fails to maintain consistent secure communication protocols throughout its interface. When SSL enforcement is active, users expect all network communications to occur over encrypted channels, yet the Top Updates functionality continues to generate hyperlinks using the unencrypted http protocol instead of the secure https equivalent. This inconsistency creates a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors to intercept or manipulate user interactions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of data. The flaw essentially creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where attackers can intercept user credentials or sensitive data transmitted through these insecure links. The unspecified impact mentioned in the original description suggests that the vulnerability could potentially enable various attack scenarios including credential theft, session hijacking, or data injection attacks. The remote attack vectors indicate that adversaries need not have physical access to the system but can exploit this weakness from external network positions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Lotus Connections serves as a collaborative platform for business users.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability significantly compromises the security posture of organizations using IBM Lotus Connections 2.5.x before the patched version. The affected environment becomes susceptible to various attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for exploit public-facing application. When users click on the insecure links generated by the Top Updates feature, their subsequent navigation may expose them to credential harvesting attacks, especially if the links direct to external resources or internal systems that rely on authentication. The vulnerability particularly impacts organizations that depend on secure communication protocols for their collaborative platforms, as it undermines the fundamental security guarantee that SSL enforcement provides. This creates a false sense of security for administrators who believe their systems are protected through forced SSL, while simultaneously leaving critical communication channels exposed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM Lotus Connections 2.5.0.2 or later versions that address this specific vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block insecure HTTP traffic, particularly when the system is configured for SSL enforcement. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing to ensure that all hyperlink generation within the application consistently uses secure protocols. Additionally, organizations should conduct security awareness training for users to recognize potentially suspicious links and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining consistent security policies across all application components, particularly in collaborative environments where users frequently interact with external resources through generated links.