CVE-1999-0468 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 5.0 allows a remote server to read arbitrary files on the client's file system using the Microsoft Scriptlet Component.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
This vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer 5.0 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote servers to access arbitrary files on client systems through the Microsoft Scriptlet Component. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of file paths and inadequate sandboxing mechanisms within the browser's scripting environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that leverage the scriptlet component to traverse the file system and retrieve sensitive information from the victim's machine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Microsoft Scriptlet Component which provides scripting capabilities for internet explorer. When a user visits a malicious website, the attacker can inject code that utilizes this component to access files outside the intended scope. The flaw occurs because the component does not properly validate file paths or implement proper access controls when processing file system requests from remote sources. This allows attackers to read files that should normally be restricted, including configuration files, user data, and potentially system files that contain sensitive information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations and individual users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract confidential data such as user credentials, personal information, corporate documents, and system configuration files. The remote nature of the attack means that victims do not need to interact with malicious content directly, as simply visiting a compromised website can result in data exfiltration. This vulnerability effectively bypasses traditional client-side security measures and represents a serious compromise of user privacy and system integrity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and relates to broader categories of path traversal attacks that have been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of web browsers and credential access through remote code execution. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the Microsoft Scriptlet Component, updating to patched versions of internet explorer, and deploying network-based protections such as web application firewalls to block malicious content. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and regular security updates remain essential defensive measures against such exploitation vectors.