CVE-2011-2888 in Lotus Symphony
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Lotus Symphony 3 before FP3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application hang) via complex graphics in a presentation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
IBM Lotus Symphony 3 before Fix Pack 3 contains a denial of service vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation when processing complex graphics within presentation files. This vulnerability falls under the weakness category of CWE-129 Input Validation and is classified as a remote attack vector that can be exploited without authentication. The flaw specifically manifests when the application encounters presentation files containing overly complex graphical elements that trigger resource exhaustion or infinite loops during rendering operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize and validate graphic data structures before processing them. When a maliciously crafted presentation file is opened, the graphics rendering engine attempts to process complex vector graphics or nested graphical objects that cause the application to enter an infinite loop or consume excessive system resources. This behavior results in application hang or complete denial of service, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing or working with presentation files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple file opening operations without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on IBM Lotus Symphony for business presentations and collaborative work. Attackers can exploit this weakness by distributing malicious presentation files via email attachments, shared network drives, or web downloads, potentially disrupting business operations across multiple users simultaneously. The impact extends beyond individual productivity losses to include potential business continuity issues, especially in environments where presentation collaboration is critical. The vulnerability can be exploited in both targeted attacks against specific users and broader campaigns affecting entire organizational networks, making it a substantial concern for enterprise security teams.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying IBM's Fix Pack 3 or later versions that contain the necessary patches for this vulnerability. Network segmentation and email filtering measures can help prevent the delivery of malicious presentation files through email channels. Additionally, implementing user education programs to avoid opening suspicious presentation files and establishing secure file validation procedures can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual resource consumption patterns or application hang behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for denial of service and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to critical system availability issues in office productivity software applications.