CVE-2013-4068 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in iNotes in IBM Domino 8.5.3 before FP5 IF1 and 9.0 before IF4 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka SPR PTHN9ADPA8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4068 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the iNotes component of IBM Domino email server software. This issue affects versions 8.5.3 prior to fix pack 5 interim fix 1 and 9.0 prior to interim fix 4, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on IBM Domino for their email infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive email data.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from improper input validation within the iNotes web interface component of IBM Domino. When authenticated users interact with specific web-based functionalities, the application fails to properly bounds-check data inputs, allowing maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the application's memory space. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors, suggesting that multiple attack pathways within the iNotes functionality could potentially trigger the buffer overflow condition. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions in programming languages like C and C++.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4068 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges within the Domino environment. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege by allowing authenticated users to escalate their privileges and potentially access other system resources or user data. Organizations utilizing IBM Domino for email services face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive communications, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, provided the attacker has valid authentication credentials for the Domino system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed Domino servers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4068 primarily involve applying the official IBM fix packs and interim fixes that address the specific buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of IBM Domino 8.5.3 FP5 IF1 or 9.0 IF4, which contain the necessary patches to prevent exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of Domino servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual authentication patterns or attempted exploitation activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and execution, making it a critical target for defensive security measures and incident response planning.