CVE-2016-0304 in Domino
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Console in IBM Domino 8.5.x before 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x before 9.0.1 FP6, when a certain unsupported configuration involving UNC share pathnames is used, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, aka SPR KLYHA7MM3J. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-0920.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0304 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within IBM Domino server software that emerged from an incomplete remediation of a previously known vulnerability. This issue specifically affects IBM Domino versions 8.5.x before 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.x before 9.0.1 FP6, where the Java Console component fails to properly validate certain unsupported configuration scenarios involving UNC (Universal Naming Convention) share pathnames. The flaw stems from the inadequate addressing of CVE-2011-0920, creating a persistent security gap that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through an insufficient validation mechanism within the IBM Domino Java Console when processing UNC share pathnames in unsupported configurations. When the server encounters these specific pathname structures, the authentication checks fail to properly enforce access controls, allowing remote attackers to bypass the normal authentication procedures. This authentication bypass enables attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system, as the system does not properly verify the legitimacy of requests originating from UNC share pathnames. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the Domino server's Java Console component, leveraging weaknesses in the pathname processing logic that were not fully addressed in the previous patch for CVE-2011-0920.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0304 is severe and potentially catastrophic for organizations running affected IBM Domino versions. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to Domino servers and potentially escalate privileges to execute malicious code with system-level permissions. This creates a significant risk for data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Domino servers are deployed. The vulnerability affects organizations that may have implemented the initial patch for CVE-2011-0920 but failed to recognize that the fix was incomplete, leaving them exposed to continued exploitation attempts. The nature of the flaw means that any system configured with the problematic UNC share pathname scenarios remains vulnerable regardless of other security measures in place.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches for IBM Domino 8.5.3 FP6 IF13 and 9.0.1 FP6 to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the complete fix package that properly addresses the authentication bypass mechanism in the Java Console component. System administrators should also conduct thorough configuration reviews to identify and eliminate any unsupported UNC share pathname configurations that may trigger this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit exposure of Domino servers to untrusted networks. Monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts and unusual network activity related to Domino server access should be implemented as part of the overall security posture. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) due to the potential for privilege escalation and code execution.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive vulnerability remediation and the dangers of incomplete security fixes. IBM Domino administrators must ensure that all security patches are thoroughly tested and validated before deployment, particularly when dealing with complex configuration scenarios that may have edge cases not fully addressed by vendor updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that security is an ongoing process requiring continuous attention to both newly discovered threats and previously addressed issues that may have been inadequately resolved. Organizations should maintain robust patch management processes and regularly review their security configurations to prevent similar issues from arising due to incomplete remediation efforts.