CVE-2012-5309 in Lotus Notes Traveler
Summary
by MITRE
servlet/traveler in IBM Lotus Notes Traveler through 8.5.3.3 Interim Fix 1 does not properly restrict invalid authentication attempts, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5309 affects IBM Lotus Notes Traveler version 8.5.3.3 and earlier interim fixes, specifically within the servlet/traveler component. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the authentication mechanism that governs access to mobile email services. The issue stems from insufficient rate limiting and authentication attempt restrictions that allow malicious actors to perform brute-force attacks against user credentials without adequate protection measures. The vulnerability exists in the server-side authentication logic where the system fails to properly track and limit failed authentication attempts, creating an opening for automated attack tools to systematically test password combinations.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the lack of proper account lockout mechanisms and authentication attempt throttling within the Lotus Notes Traveler servlet. When users attempt to authenticate through the mobile email service, the system does not adequately monitor or restrict the frequency of failed login attempts. This absence of controls creates a scenario where attackers can rapidly submit authentication requests with various credential combinations, effectively turning the legitimate authentication process into an avenue for unauthorized access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-307 - Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts, which specifically addresses the lack of proper rate limiting and account lockout functionality in authentication systems. This weakness allows attackers to bypass normal security controls that would typically prevent repeated login attempts from the same source.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables unauthorized access to corporate email systems and potentially sensitive business data. Mobile email services like IBM Lotus Notes Traveler often serve as primary communication channels for executives and employees, making successful exploitation particularly damaging. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to personal and corporate emails, calendar entries, contacts, and other sensitive information stored on the mobile devices. The ease of exploitation through automated brute-force tools means that even relatively weak passwords can be compromised within a reasonable timeframe. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1110 - Brute Force, where adversaries use automated tools to guess credentials through repeated login attempts.
Organizations utilizing IBM Lotus Notes Traveler should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the official IBM interim fix 1 or upgrading to a patched version of the software that includes proper authentication attempt limiting. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and IP address restrictions can help limit the scope of potential attacks by restricting access to the vulnerable servlet from known good networks only. Additionally, implementing account lockout policies with appropriate time delays between authentication attempts can significantly reduce the effectiveness of brute-force attacks. System administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual authentication patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive monitoring of authentication logs to identify suspicious activity and ensure that the implemented controls are functioning as intended. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to verify that the patch has been properly applied and that no other authentication-related vulnerabilities exist within the mobile email infrastructure.