CVE-2000-0596 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 5.x does not warn a user before opening a Microsoft Access database file that is referenced within ActiveX OBJECT tags in an HTML document, which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands, aka the "IE Script" vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The CVE-2000-0596 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.x that exploited the browser's handling of ActiveX controls and file associations. This vulnerability specifically targeted the way Internet Explorer processed HTML documents containing ActiveX OBJECT tags that referenced Microsoft Access database files. The flaw occurred because the browser failed to implement proper user warnings or validation when encountering these specific file types, creating an environment where malicious actors could craft web pages that automatically executed database operations without user consent. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it leveraged the trust relationship between the browser and installed Microsoft applications, allowing attackers to bypass normal security prompts that users would typically expect to see when opening potentially harmful file types.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stemmed from Internet Explorer's improper handling of ActiveX control instantiation within HTML documents. When an HTML page contained an OBJECT tag referencing an Access database file, the browser would automatically attempt to open the file using the default application associated with that file type, which was typically Microsoft Access. This behavior occurred without any user confirmation or warning, even though Access database files could contain embedded code or macros that could execute malicious commands when opened. The vulnerability was classified under CWE-200 as an improper error handling issue, where the system failed to properly validate or warn users about potentially dangerous file operations. The flaw exploited the principle of least privilege by allowing automatic execution of potentially harmful operations without user consent, which violated fundamental security principles of user awareness and control.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0596 was significant and far-reaching, as it enabled remote code execution attacks that could compromise entire systems. Attackers could construct malicious web pages that would automatically execute Access database files containing malicious code when viewed in Internet Explorer, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring any special privileges or local access to the target system. This made it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerable systems remotely, as demonstrated by various malware campaigns that utilized this vulnerability. The attack vector aligned with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of web-based attacks to execute malicious code through browser vulnerabilities, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces including web browsers.
The exploitation of this vulnerability required minimal technical skill from attackers, as it relied on the inherent trust model of the Windows operating system and Internet Explorer's handling of ActiveX controls. Users would typically encounter such attacks through phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious web advertisements, where simply viewing a page would trigger the exploit. The vulnerability was particularly problematic because it could be used to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious activities without the user's knowledge or consent. Security researchers noted that this vulnerability was part of a broader class of attacks targeting browser security flaws, and it highlighted the importance of proper input validation and user notification mechanisms in web browsers. The issue was resolved through Microsoft's security updates and the implementation of more robust warning systems in subsequent versions of Internet Explorer, but it served as a critical lesson in the importance of secure coding practices and user awareness in web browser security.