CVE-2012-5307 in Lotus Notes Traveler
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in servlet/traveler in IBM Lotus Notes Traveler before 8.5.3.3 Interim Fix 1, when Firefox is used, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the redirectURL parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-4824 and CVE-2012-4825.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5307 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Lotus Notes Traveler servlet component, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.5.3.3 Interim Fix 1. This vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the redirectURL parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the context of authenticated users' browsers. The issue is particularly significant as it demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that should prevent malicious content from being executed in web contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the redirectURL parameter within the servlet/traveler component of IBM Lotus Notes Traveler. When Firefox browser is used in conjunction with the vulnerable application, attackers can craft malicious URLs that contain script payloads which will be executed in the victim's browser session. This represents a classic XSS vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-provided input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which specifically addresses the failure to properly neutralize input characters that could be interpreted as executable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, manipulate user interfaces, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. An attacker could craft malicious redirects that appear legitimate to users, leading them to execute malicious scripts that could capture authentication tokens, modify application behavior, or redirect users to phishing sites. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2012-4824 and CVE-2012-4825, indicating that IBM Lotus Notes Traveler suffered from multiple independent XSS vulnerabilities, each requiring specific mitigation approaches. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Lotus Notes Traveler serves as a mobile email and calendar synchronization service, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user communications and data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5307 should prioritize the immediate application of IBM's official patch or interim fix 1 for the 8.5.3.3 version of Lotus Notes Traveler. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in redirect operations. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Furthermore, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can also provide additional layers of defense, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input sanitization practices in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data through mobile synchronization services.