CVE-2000-0767 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The ActiveX control for invoking a scriptlet in Internet Explorer 4.x and 5.x renders arbitrary file types instead of HTML, which allows an attacker to read arbitrary files, aka the "Scriptlet Rendering" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The CVE-2000-0767 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.x and 5.x that stems from improper handling of ActiveX controls during scriptlet execution. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and insecure direct object reference issues, with strong implications for web application security. The flaw specifically affects the way Internet Explorer processes ActiveX controls that invoke scriptlets, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate file rendering behavior and access sensitive system resources.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the ActiveX control's failure to properly validate file types when rendering content through scriptlet invocation. When Internet Explorer encounters an ActiveX control designed to execute scriptlets, it incorrectly processes certain file types that should be rendered as HTML content, instead allowing arbitrary file access through the scriptlet rendering mechanism. This misconfiguration enables attackers to craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, can trigger the ActiveX control to read and potentially expose files from the local system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of client-side script execution and file system access, creating a dangerous attack surface where remote code execution and information disclosure can occur simultaneously.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0767 extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with a pathway for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, enabling attackers to leverage social engineering campaigns that deliver malicious ActiveX controls. The vulnerability can be exploited to read system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive information stored on the local filesystem, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where attackers might target administrative credentials or system configurations. The issue also relates to CWE-22 for improper limitation of a pathname to a known-good list and CWE-73 for external control of filename or path, demonstrating how improper validation can lead to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0767 require a multi-layered approach focusing on both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Organizations should immediately implement browser security policies that disable ActiveX controls or restrict their execution to trusted sites only, as this vulnerability specifically targets the ActiveX control architecture. The recommended solution involves updating to patched versions of Internet Explorer or migrating to more secure browser platforms that do not exhibit this vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious ActiveX control loading attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments can help minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while also addressing the underlying CWE-22 and CWE-73 vulnerabilities that enable this attack vector.