CVE-2000-0028 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.01 allows remote attackers to bypass the cross frame security policy and read files via the external.NavigateAndFind function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0028 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.0 and 5.01 that undermines fundamental web browser security mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the cross-frame security policy that browsers implement to prevent malicious code from accessing content across different frames or windows within a web page. The external.NavigateAndFind function serves as an attack vector that enables remote adversaries to circumvent these protective measures, creating a significant risk for users browsing the internet.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in how Internet Explorer handles navigation and content retrieval across frame boundaries. When the external.NavigateAndFind function is invoked, it allows malicious JavaScript code to navigate to specific URLs and potentially access files that should normally be restricted due to cross-frame security policies. This flaw essentially creates a bypass mechanism that enables attackers to read files from the local system or other restricted areas that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the browser's external object interface, which provides access to host system functionality that should normally be restricted to prevent malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive files and data that could include user credentials, personal documents, or system configuration information. This represents a significant threat to user privacy and system security, particularly when users visit malicious websites or are targeted through social engineering attacks that deliver exploit code. The vulnerability affects users running Internet Explorer 5.0 and 5.01 versions, which were prevalent during the early 2000s, making it a widespread concern for organizations and individuals who had not yet upgraded to more secure browser versions. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about target systems, or establish further footholds for more sophisticated attacks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates how browser security mechanisms can be bypassed through improper implementation of external object interfaces. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocol, as attackers could use this vulnerability to execute malicious code or access restricted resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser version upgrades, deployment of security patches, and implementation of network-based protections such as web application firewalls. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security model implementation in browser environments and serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security updates and the dangers of running outdated software versions that may contain known vulnerabilities.