CVE-2002-0189 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in Internet Explorer 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute scripts in the Local Computer zone via a URL that exploits a local HTML resource file, aka the "Cross-Site Scripting in Local HTML Resource" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability in Internet Explorer 6.0 represents a significant security flaw that exploits the browser's handling of local HTML resource files within the Local Computer zone. The vulnerability specifically targets the way IE processes URLs that reference local HTML resources, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute with the privileges of the local computer zone. This flaw operates by leveraging the browser's trust relationship with local resources while simultaneously bypassing normal security boundaries that should separate local and remote content. The Local Computer zone in IE is designed to trust content from the local machine, but this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate URLs in a way that causes the browser to load local HTML files containing malicious script code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of URL parsing mechanisms within IE 6.0 where the browser fails to properly validate or sanitize URLs that reference local HTML resources. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when processed by the browser, cause it to execute scripts from local HTML files that are accessible through the Local Computer zone. This creates a scenario where remote attackers can leverage local file system access through web-based interfaces, effectively bridging the gap between remote exploitation and local privilege execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level and can bypass traditional security measures that protect against remote script injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of the Local Computer zone. This includes but is not limited to data theft, privilege escalation, system compromise, and persistent backdoor installation. The Local Computer zone typically has elevated permissions compared to other zones like Internet or Intranet, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive system files, registry entries, and user data that would otherwise be protected. This vulnerability essentially creates a bridge between remote web-based attacks and local system compromise, significantly expanding the attack surface available to malicious actors.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter. The flaw demonstrates how browser security boundaries can be circumvented through careful manipulation of URL structures and local resource access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates to patched versions of Internet Explorer, implementation of strict URL filtering and validation policies, and network-level controls that prevent access to potentially malicious local resources. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious URLs and the dangers of visiting untrusted websites remains critical, as this vulnerability often relies on social engineering elements to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both remote and local exploitation vectors.