CVE-2011-1214 in Lotus Notes
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in rtfsr.dll in Autonomy KeyView, as used in IBM Lotus Notes before 8.5.2 FP3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted link in a .rtf attachment, aka SPR PRAD8823JQ.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1214 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the rtfsr.dll component of Autonomy KeyView software, which was integrated into IBM Lotus Notes prior to version 8.5.2 Fix Pack 3. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of rich text format (.rtf) attachments within the email client environment, creating a remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists in the way the software processes crafted RTF content, particularly when parsing certain formatting elements that trigger memory corruption during the rendering process. The vulnerability was documented under the IBM security advisory SPR PRAD8823JQ, highlighting its potential for widespread impact across organizations utilizing affected versions of the Lotus Notes platform.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow condition where maliciously crafted RTF content contains sequences that cause the rtfsr.dll library to write data beyond the bounds of allocated memory buffers on the stack. When IBM Lotus Notes processes an RTF attachment containing such malformed content, the parsing routine fails to properly validate input length, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations with controlled data. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running Lotus Notes process. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently exploited in various software applications throughout the cybersecurity landscape.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to corporate email environments where Lotus Notes serves as a primary communication platform. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Lotus Notes face significant risks including unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where email remains a primary attack vector. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration operations. The attack surface is further expanded by the widespread adoption of IBM Lotus Notes in enterprise settings, where the vulnerability could affect thousands of users simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1214 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through IBM's official security updates, specifically recommending installation of IBM Lotus Notes 8.5.2 Fix Pack 3 or later versions that contain the necessary code modifications to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as email content filtering that can identify and block suspicious RTF attachments containing known malicious patterns. Security teams should consider disabling RTF rendering capabilities where possible, or implementing sandboxing mechanisms that isolate RTF processing in restricted environments. Additionally, monitoring for unusual email processing patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts remains crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and following security best practices recommended by the ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to privilege escalation and execution techniques that attackers may employ when exploiting similar buffer overflow conditions in enterprise email platforms.