CVE-2018-1435 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Notes 8.5 and 9.0 is vulnerable to a DLL hijacking attack. A remote attacker could trick a user to double click a malicious executable in an attacker-controlled directory, which could result in code execution. IBM X-Force ID: 139563.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
IBM Notes versions 8.5 and 9.0 contain a critical DLL hijacking vulnerability that enables remote code execution through malicious file manipulation. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic link library loading mechanisms, specifically when processing files from untrusted directories. The flaw occurs because the software does not properly validate or restrict the paths from which it loads required libraries, creating an opportunity for attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before the legitimate system libraries. This behavior aligns with CWE-427, which describes uncontrolled search path dependencies that allow attackers to load unintended libraries. The attack vector requires social engineering to trick users into executing malicious files, typically through phishing emails or compromised shared directories where the attacker has placed a specially crafted executable that matches the name of a library the Notes application expects to load.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise when users with elevated privileges interact with malicious content. Attackers can leverage this weakness to install backdoors, steal credentials, or deploy additional malware payloads within the target environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Notes is commonly used for email and collaboration services. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise often leads to further system exploitation. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not implemented proper security controls around file execution and directory access permissions, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as vulnerable versions remain in use.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The most effective immediate mitigation involves upgrading to patched versions of IBM Notes, as IBM released security fixes that properly address the DLL loading behavior. System administrators should also implement strict file execution policies, including disabling execution of files from user-writable directories and implementing application whitelisting controls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that Notes applications run with minimal required permissions and that users do not have write access to directories containing Notes installation files or shared libraries. Network-based controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to Notes services and endpoint detection solutions that monitor for suspicious DLL loading patterns can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications that may exhibit similar improper library loading behaviors, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in legacy applications that have not been properly updated for modern security requirements.