Is R5 exposed to stored forms exploits?

From: Grank D'souza (gd_souzaat_private)
Date: Mon Sep 17 2001 - 22:09:20 PDT

  • Next message: pguentherat_private: "Re: Is R5 exposed to stored forms exploits?"

    --------------------Short version of the issue-------------------------
    Is R5 Domino/Notes environment vulnerable to the stored form exploit over 
    the Internet?
    
    It seems that SMTP-routing stored forms emails changes them into attachments 
    and Notes-routing stored forms requires cross-certification.
    
    Given these two issues, is the danger of stored forms from Internet still a 
    reality?
    
    -------------------Long version of the issue----------------------------
    It has been long known and recently publicized (DefCon 7/2000, BugTraq 
    2/2001, Lotus 4/2001) that stored forms (also called active content, 
    mailbombs etc) via emails can carry malicious code.
    
    In R4.x world, an internet attacker could embed malicious code written in 
    LotusScript in emails and send them by choosing "Maintain Notes format via 
    the Internet" (or such some option available in Actions - Special Options 
    menu ).  This email when read by the recepient would cause damage(there was 
    no need to launch any attachments).
    
    With the R5 release, one can route messages over the Internet using "SMTP 
    routing" or "Notes routing".
    
    The use of an R5 machine process SMTP-routed emails converts the stored 
    forms into the annoying attachments called either "encap2.ond" or "c.dtf".  
    These attachments can't be easily launched and the stored form code is not 
    easily executed.
    
    The use of "Notes routing" - can maintain stored forms - but requires 
    cross-certification (so I have been told).  Again an attacker would not be 
    capable of cross-certifying.
    
    Lotus still recommends that stored forms be disabled in R5 - but does not 
    specify if the exposure is from internal users or external users.
    
    So, do we still have an exposure from stored forms in R5 - or can we sleep 
    peacefully at night?
    
    I appreciate your expertise and input on this matter.
    
    Regards.
    
    - Grank.
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