CVE-2011-0917 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in nLDAP.exe in IBM Lotus Domino allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in an LDAP Bind operation, aka SPR KLYH87LMVX.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0917 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nLDAP.exe component of IBM Lotus Domino email and collaboration software. This issue manifests during LDAP Bind operations when the system processes excessively long strings, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects IBM Lotus Domino versions prior to 8.5.2, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this platform for enterprise email services. The buffer overflow occurs in the LDAP protocol handling mechanism, which is fundamental to directory services integration and authentication processes within the Domino environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weakness in input validation within the nLDAP.exe module. When an LDAP Bind request contains a malformed or excessively long string parameter, the application fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. Attackers can craft malicious LDAP Bind requests that, when processed by the vulnerable Domino server, result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service account.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0917 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for broader network infiltration. Since Lotus Domino servers typically operate as critical infrastructure components handling email traffic, directory services, and authentication functions, successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible Domino servers. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to email archives, directory information disclosure, and potential lateral movement within their networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use, as compromised Domino servers can serve as entry points for credential harvesting and privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0917 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM Lotus Domino installations to version 8.5.2 or later, which includes the necessary code fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall restrictions should be implemented to limit access to Domino LDAP services, particularly when the servers are exposed to untrusted networks. Additional defensive measures include implementing LDAP query filtering to prevent overly long input strings from reaching the vulnerable parsing logic, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious LDAP Bind operations, and conducting regular security assessments of Domino server configurations. Organizations should also review their access controls and implement principle of least privilege for Domino service accounts to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in enterprise software, particularly for components handling network protocols and authentication services.