CVE-2012-6349 in Lotus Notes
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the .mdb parser in Autonomy KeyView IDOL, as used in IBM Notes 8.5.x before 8.5.3 FP4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file, aka SPR KLYH92XL3W.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6349 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the .mdb parser component of Autonomy KeyView IDOL software, which is integrated into IBM Notes 8.5.x versions prior to 8.5.3 FP4. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the parsing mechanism that processes Microsoft Access database files. The vulnerability exists in the way the parser handles malformed or specially crafted .mdb files, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of structured data within the .mdb file format, specifically when the parser attempts to read and process database metadata. When a maliciously crafted .mdb file is processed by the vulnerable software, the parser fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical program execution elements. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and software parsing vulnerabilities, aligning with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to organizations using IBM Notes 8.5.x systems, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply delivering a specially crafted .mdb file through email attachments, shared network resources, or other file transfer mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because IBM Notes is widely deployed in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with external file attachments, making the exploitation vector highly accessible and potentially devastating. The vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation capabilities to encompass broader security implications within enterprise threat models. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of IBM Notes face potential breaches that could result in sensitive information disclosure, system takeover, and lateral movement within network environments. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing arbitrary code on compromised systems. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for compliance frameworks such as PCI DSS and HIPAA, where unpatched systems can result in regulatory violations and substantial financial penalties.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM Notes 8.5.3 FP4 or later patches that address this buffer overflow vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and email filtering measures should be implemented to reduce the attack surface while awaiting patch deployment. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and implementing robust patch management processes to prevent similar issues from compromising enterprise security postures.