CVE-2016-0278 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-2016-0277, CVE-2016-0279, and CVE-2016-0301.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-0278 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within IBM Domino's KeyView PDF filter component. This security issue affects IBM Domino versions 8.5.x prior to 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x prior to 9.0.1 FP6, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these email and collaboration platforms. The vulnerability specifically resides in the PDF processing functionality that handles document parsing and rendering, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the KeyView PDF filter implementation. When processing specially crafted PDF documents, the filter fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This occurs during the parsing phase of PDF documents where insufficient boundary checks allow malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Domino server process, potentially resulting in complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a common and severe class of memory safety issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability by simply sending a malicious PDF document to a vulnerable Domino server, making the attack surface extremely broad and difficult to control. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed from anywhere on the internet, presenting a significant risk to email servers that process external communications. Organizations using affected Domino versions face potential data breaches, system infiltration, and disruption of business continuity services, as the vulnerability allows for persistent access to server resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0278 primarily involve applying the official IBM security patches and fixes released for the affected versions. Organizations should immediately upgrade to IBM Domino 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 or 9.0.1 FP6, which contain the necessary code modifications to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Additionally, network-level defenses such as email filtering and content inspection systems should be enhanced to detect and block potentially malicious PDF attachments before they reach vulnerable servers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for remote code execution, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits become essential practices to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors.