CVE-2016-0277 in Lotus Domino
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the KeyView PDF filter in IBM Domino 8.5.x before 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x before 9.0.1 FP6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0278, CVE-2016-0279, and CVE-2016-0301.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0277 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within IBM Domino's KeyView PDF filter component, affecting versions 8.5.x prior to 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x prior to 9.0.1 FP6. This flaw resides in the PDF processing functionality that enables IBM Domino servers to handle and render PDF documents, making it a significant threat to email server security. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the KeyView filter processes malformed PDF files, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. This particular weakness is classified as a heap overflow under CWE-121, which directly relates to insufficient memory bounds checking in dynamic memory allocation scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and memory management, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the careful crafting of malicious PDF documents that trigger the buffer overflow during the parsing process. When IBM Domino processes such documents, the KeyView filter attempts to allocate memory for PDF elements but fails to properly validate the size of incoming data, leading to memory corruption. The heap overflow can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical data structures in memory, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous for email servers that process untrusted PDF content from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0277 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. IBM Domino servers that process email attachments containing malicious PDFs become vulnerable to remote code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the server environment. This could result in data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and the establishment of backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Domino for email services, collaboration platforms, and document management systems, making it particularly relevant for enterprise environments where email security is paramount. Organizations relying on these systems face potential business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if exploited. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw under CWE-787 indicates it can be exploited across network boundaries without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0277 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the heap overflow vulnerability in the KeyView PDF filter. IBM released fixes through the 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.0.1 FP6 releases, which include memory boundary checks and improved input validation for PDF processing. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected IBM Domino installations, particularly those handling untrusted email content. Additional defensive measures include implementing content filtering solutions that scan PDF attachments before they reach the Domino server, disabling PDF processing capabilities where possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous PDF processing activities and unusual memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as exploitation may lead to account compromise and further network infiltration. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF processing components and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar heap-based vulnerabilities in other software components.