CVE-2013-0522 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE
The Notes Client Single Logon feature in IBM Notes 8.0, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.5, 8.5.1, 8.5.2, 8.5.3, and 9.0 on Windows allows local users to discover passwords via vectors involving an unspecified operating system communication mechanism for password transmission between Windows and Notes. IBM X-Force ID: 82531.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-0522 affects IBM Notes client applications across multiple versions including 8.0 through 9.0 on Windows platforms. This issue specifically targets the Single Logon feature which is designed to provide seamless authentication between the Windows operating system and the Notes client application. The flaw manifests through an unspecified operating system communication mechanism that handles password transmission between these two systems, creating a potential security risk for local users who may exploit this mechanism to obtain password information. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for organizations relying on IBM Notes for email and collaboration services, as it could allow unauthorized access to user credentials through local system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of authentication credentials during the single logon process between Windows and Notes client applications. When users authenticate to the Windows operating system, the Notes client attempts to leverage this existing authentication through the Single Logon feature. However, the communication mechanism used for transmitting password information between the operating system and Notes client contains a flaw that allows local users to intercept or discover password data. This issue falls under the category of credential exposure through improper authentication handling and demonstrates weaknesses in how the application manages secure credential transmission across system boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since it requires local system access but provides unauthorized access to password information that could be used for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to email accounts, collaboration services, and potentially other systems that rely on the compromised Notes credentials. Local users who exploit this vulnerability could access sensitive corporate communications, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the Notes environment. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system functionality rather than requiring external network access, making detection more difficult and the attack more insidious. Organizations may face compliance issues if this vulnerability results in unauthorized access to protected data, as it violates principles of secure credential handling and proper authentication management. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Notes is used for sensitive communications and where users may have elevated privileges within the organization.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address this vulnerability in the Notes client software. System administrators should review and disable the Single Logon feature if it is not essential for business operations, particularly in environments where local security controls are insufficient. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or credential access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-522 which addresses insufficiently protected credentials, and represents a concern for ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication and regular credential audits to reduce the potential impact if this vulnerability is exploited. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of IBM Notes and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.