November 2006

ID: 00774
Ref: 733/2006
Date: 09 November 2006:14:43:33
Version: 1

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Title: iDefense Security Advisory 11.08.06 - IBM Lotus Domino 7 tunekrnl Multiple Vulnerabilities
Abstract:
Vendors affected: iDefense
Operating systems affected: iDefense
Applications affected: iDefense

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Title
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iDefense Security Advisory 11.08.06 - IBM Lotus Domino 7 tunekrnl Multiple Vulnerabilities

Detail
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Local exploitation of multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities in IBM's
Lotus Domino could allow an attacker to elevate privileges to root.
The 'tunekrnl' binary is used to set Linux/proc sysctl settings, allowing
Domino to increase the resource limits of the running kernel. It is
shipped with the owner set to root and the set-user-id bit on. Since the
length of input is improperly validated when copying to fixed-size
buffers, buffer overflow can occur.



IBM Lotus Domino 7 tunekrnl Multiple Vulnerabilities

iDefense Security Advisory 11.08.06
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Nov 08, 2006

I. BACKGROUND

IBM Lotus Domino is a software suite designed to facilitate collaboration
between co-workers. More information can be found at
http://www.ibm.com/domino/.

II. DESCRIPTION

Local exploitation of multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities in IBM's
Lotus Domino could allow an attacker to elevate privileges to root.

The 'tunekrnl' binary is used to set Linux/proc sysctl settings, allowing
Domino to increase the resource limits of the running kernel. It is
shipped with the owner set to root and the set-user-id bit on. Since the
length of input is improperly validated when copying to fixed-size
buffers, buffer overflow can occur.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation could allow local attackers to elevate their privileges to
that of the 'root' account. On most modern systems, this means that
attackers would gain complete control over the target system.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in version
7.0.1.1 of IBM's Lotus Domino for Linux. Earlier versions may also be
vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

To prevent exploitation, rename or delete the /etc/SuSE-release or
/etc/redhat-release file. The 'tunekrnl' binary's vulnerable code is not
executed if this file does not exist. Also, removing the set-user-id bit
from the 'tunekrnl' binary prevents privilege escalation. However, this may
require running the utility as root manually to increase system resource
limits as needed.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

IBM Lotus has addressed this problem within Domino versions 6.5.5 FP2 and
7.0.2. More information is available in IBM Technote #1249173 at
http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=475&uid=swg21249173.

VII. CVE INFORMATION

A Mitre Corp. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number has not
been assigned yet.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

08/15/2006 Initial vendor notification
08/15/2006 Initial vendor response
11/08/2006 Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

This vulnerability was reported to iDefense by Andrew Christensen of
FortConsult ApS.

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http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php

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http://labs.idefense.com/

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2006 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically.
It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of
iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in
any other medium other than electronically, please e-mail
customerservice@idefense.com for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at
the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use of
the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on, this
information.