CVE-2015-1903 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in IBM Domino 8.5 before 8.5.3 FP6 IF7 and 9.0 before 9.0.1 FP3 IF3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted BMP image, aka SPR KLYH9TSN3Y.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1903 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in IBM Domino email and collaboration software versions 8.5.3 and earlier, as well as 9.0.1 and earlier. This flaw specifically affects the image processing functionality within the software, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through maliciously crafted BMP image files. The vulnerability was catalogued under the IBM security advisory SPR KLYH9TSN3Y, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the BMP image parser, which fails to properly check buffer boundaries when processing image data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when IBM Domino processes a specially crafted BMP image file that contains malformed data structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the software attempts to parse the malicious image, the insufficient boundary checking causes the program to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting critical stack memory including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject arbitrary code into the target system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or local access, allowing remote exploitation through web-based interfaces or email attachments that trigger the image processing functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. IBM Domino servers serving email, collaboration, and workflow applications become prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy versions of Domino software, particularly those that have not implemented the corresponding security patches released by IBM. Organizations relying on Domino for business-critical applications face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, potential lateral movement within network infrastructure, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability also impacts email security systems as attackers can exploit it through email attachments or web-based email clients that process BMP images automatically.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1903 primarily focus on implementing the vendor-provided security patches and updates from IBM. Organizations should immediately apply the fixes for IBM Domino versions 8.5.3 FP6 IF7 and 9.0.1 FP3 IF3, which contain the necessary code modifications to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should also implement additional protective measures including image file validation and filtering at network perimeters, restricting the processing of BMP files in email systems, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious image requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that frequently leads to remote code execution. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the execution phase of the kill chain and represents a critical threat that can be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Domino servers are commonly deployed.