CVE-2013-4064 in iNotes
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in iNotes in IBM Domino 8.5.x before 8.5.3 FP6 and 9.0.x before 9.0.1, when ultra-light mode is enabled, allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, aka SPR PTHN9ARMFA.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4064 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within IBM Domino's iNotes application, specifically affecting versions 8.5.x prior to 8.5.3 FP6 and 9.0.x prior to 9.0.1. This vulnerability manifests when the ultra-light mode feature is enabled, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on IBM Domino for email and collaboration services. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent security weakness underscores its potential for widespread impact across multiple IBM Domino deployments.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the iNotes application's processing of user input when ultra-light mode is active. This mode typically provides a simplified interface for email composition and viewing, but the security controls fail to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before rendering it in web contexts. The flaw exists in the application's input validation mechanisms, where malicious payloads can bypass security checks and be executed within the browser context of authenticated users. This represents a classic server-side injection vulnerability that leverages the trust relationship between the application and its users to execute unauthorized code.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4064 extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the targeted environment. Authenticated users who interact with compromised iNotes functionality could unknowingly execute malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect to phishing sites, or modify email content. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using IBM Domino for business-critical email services, as attackers can exploit this weakness to gain persistent access to user mailboxes and potentially escalate privileges within the broader Domino environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of IBM's security patches, specifically targeting the 8.5.3 FP6 and 9.0.1 updates that address this particular flaw. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and enhanced input validation measures to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping enterprise collaboration platforms updated and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of web application interfaces, particularly those that provide rich text editing capabilities. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering through malicious web content, emphasizing the need for layered defensive strategies.
The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the XSS vulnerability is fully addressed without introducing compatibility issues with existing iNotes functionality. Organizations should also conduct security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patch deployment. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent threat underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust monitoring procedures to detect anomalous user behavior or unauthorized access attempts within Domino environments. This particular vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of web application security in enterprise email systems and the necessity of continuous security assessments.