CVE-2018-1410 in Notes Diagnostics
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Notes Diagnostics (IBM Client Application Access and IBM Notes) could allow a local user to execute commands on the system. By crafting a command line sent via the shared memory IPC, which could be tricked into executing an executable chosen by the attacker. IBM X-Force ID: 138709.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1410 affects IBM Notes Diagnostics and IBM Client Application Access components, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the inter-process communication mechanisms used by these IBM products, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access through carefully crafted command line inputs transmitted via shared memory IPC channels. The flaw exists within the diagnostic functionality of IBM Notes applications, which are widely deployed in enterprise environments for email and collaboration services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the shared memory inter-process communication system. When IBM Notes Diagnostics processes command line arguments through IPC mechanisms, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, allowing an attacker with local system access to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the Notes process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system execution contexts without proper sanitization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 as a failure to sanitize system inputs, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal security boundaries and allows privilege escalation from local user to system-level execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems and enables further exploitation within enterprise networks. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can leverage the elevated privileges to perform reconnaissance, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially move laterally across the network. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where users have legitimate access to Notes applications but may not be properly secured. This vulnerability affects organizations using IBM Notes versions prior to the patched releases, creating widespread exposure across enterprise deployments where Notes clients are commonly installed on employee workstations and servers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates to eliminate the vulnerability in affected systems. System administrators should also consider restricting local access to Notes applications where possible, implementing least privilege principles for user accounts, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns within system logs. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential lateral movement if systems become compromised. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it particularly relevant for security teams implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of IBM Notes and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent future exploitation attempts.