CVE-2002-0052 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 6.0 and earlier does not properly handle VBScript in certain domain security checks, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0052 represents a critical security flaw in Internet Explorer 6.0 and earlier versions that stems from improper handling of VBScript during domain security validation processes. This weakness specifically affects the browser's implementation of security boundaries between different domains, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security restrictions. The issue manifests when the browser fails to properly validate script execution contexts, allowing attackers to exploit the security model through carefully crafted VBScript code that can manipulate cross-domain access controls.
This vulnerability operates at the core of web browser security architecture by exploiting a flaw in the domain security model that was fundamental to Internet Explorer's protection mechanisms. The technical implementation error occurs during the processing of VBScript code within the browser's security framework, where the system fails to properly isolate script execution contexts between different domains. This failure creates a condition where arbitrary file access becomes possible through malicious script injection, as the security checks designed to prevent cross-domain data access are circumvented. The flaw essentially allows attackers to execute VBScript that can traverse the security boundaries typically enforced by the browser's same-origin policy implementation.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0052 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise potential through unauthorized file access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files from the local system, potentially including configuration files, user data, or even system-critical information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote code execution capabilities, typically through malicious web pages that deliver the crafted VBScript payload. This creates a significant risk for users who visit compromised websites or click on malicious links, as the attack can occur entirely within the browser environment without requiring any local software installation or user interaction beyond normal web browsing.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation and security boundary enforcement, aligning with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-254 (Security Features) categories. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper sandboxing and isolation mechanisms within web browsers, as it allows attackers to escape the intended security boundaries of the browser environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through browser-based attacks, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code within trusted application environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0052 require immediate implementation of browser updates and security patches from Microsoft, as the vulnerability was addressed through subsequent releases that corrected the domain security handling in VBScript execution. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that disable unnecessary scripting capabilities and enforce strict content security policies to prevent exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense, while user education regarding safe browsing practices remains essential. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining current security software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both known and emerging threats through regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes.