CVE-2011-1519 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
The remote console in the Server Controller in IBM Lotus Domino 7.x and 8.x verifies credentials against a file located at a UNC share pathname specified by the client, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, and consequently execute arbitrary code, by placing this pathname in the COOKIEFILE field. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2011-0920.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1519 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within IBM Lotus Domino server components that has significant implications for enterprise security infrastructure. This issue affects versions 7.x and 8.x of the Lotus Domino server software, specifically targeting the Server Controller's remote console functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of client-supplied parameters during the authentication process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent security controls and gain unauthorized access to server resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Server Controller's remote console functionality which accepts credential verification requests through a client-provided UNC share pathname. When the server processes authentication requests, it validates credentials against a file located at a UNC path specified by the client in the COOKIEFILE field. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by injecting arbitrary UNC paths that point to attacker-controlled resources, effectively bypassing the legitimate credential verification process. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level where client input is directly used to determine the authentication file location without proper sanitization or validation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk environment where remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on affected servers with elevated privileges. The authentication bypass enables attackers to gain full administrative access to the Domino server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no prior authentication credentials and can be exploited remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to enterprise environments. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) and CWE-22 (Path Traversal) categories, reflecting the fundamental breakdown in access control and input validation mechanisms.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation can lead to complete server compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify server configurations, access sensitive email data, and potentially use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter. The overlap with CVE-2011-0920 indicates that this vulnerability represents part of a broader class of authentication bypass issues affecting IBM Lotus Domino products, suggesting that similar flaws may exist in other components of the same software family. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching affected systems, disabling remote console functionality where possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all client-supplied input and implementing proper access controls in server applications, particularly those handling authentication and authorization functions.