CVE-2016-0301 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-2016-0278, and CVE-2016-0279.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0301 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the KeyView PDF filter component of IBM Domino email and collaboration software. This flaw exists in versions 8.5.x prior to 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x prior to 9.0.1 FP6, making a significant portion of IBM Domino deployments susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects the processing of PDF documents within the email system, where the KeyView filter is responsible for converting PDF content into a format suitable for display within the Domino environment. This buffer overflow occurs when the system attempts to handle malformed or specially crafted PDF files that exceed allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the KeyView PDF processing library. When a malicious PDF document is received by an affected Domino server, the filter attempts to parse and convert the document content without sufficient bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. The heap-based nature of the overflow indicates that the vulnerability occurs within dynamically allocated memory regions, making it particularly dangerous as it can overwrite critical program data, function pointers, or return addresses. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0301 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise. Since IBM Domino servers typically handle sensitive corporate email traffic, successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to confidential communications, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage this flaw, making it particularly attractive for widespread attacks. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Domino face significant risk of being compromised through simple email-based attacks, where merely opening or processing a malicious PDF attachment could trigger the exploit. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper software patch management, as the fix for this issue was provided through specific interim fixes and service packs.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies while planning for comprehensive patch deployment to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action is to upgrade to IBM Domino versions 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 or 9.0.1 FP6, which contain the necessary security patches to prevent exploitation. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing email filtering policies that block PDF attachments from untrusted sources or implement sandboxing techniques for PDF processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential for initial access through phishing campaigns targeting email systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in components that process untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their infrastructure that might be running older versions of IBM Domino or similar software components that could be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions.