Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of the IBM Lotus Notes URL handling remote arbitrary code execution vulnerability is publicly available.
Description
IBM Lotus Notes on Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of the URL by the affected software. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to view a crafted URL using the vulnerable application. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code with the privileges of the user.
Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
IBM has confirmed this vulnerability and updated software is available.
Warning Indicators
The affected software versions are as follows:
IBM Lotus Notes versions 8.0.2 and prior
IBM Lotus Notes versions 8.5.3 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a link that directs a user to a malicious site and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to follow the provided link.
The vulnerability is exploitable only on Windows systems. To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker must convince a user to view a malicious URL by e-mail message, instant messaging, or other forms of communication. Depending on the privileges of the user, the attacker could execute code that results in a complete system compromise.
Vendor report indicates that the vulnerability will be mitigated in the Lotus Notes 8.5.3 Fix Pack 2.
Vendor Announcements
IBM has released a flash alert at the following link: swg21598348
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute system commands with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, a total system compromise may be possible.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of a URL by Notes URL handler. While processing the URL, the affected software fails to perform sufficient validation on the user-supplied input within the URL and could allow execution of arbitrary shell commands embedded in the URL requests.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to view a crafted notes:// URI with the vulnerable application. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the targeted system with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open e-mail messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in e-mail messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Patches/Software
IBM customers are advised to acquire an interim fix through normal IBM support channels.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Version 1, June 18, 2012, 10:53 AM: IBM Lotus Notes on Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. Updates are available.
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