CVE-2002-0354 in Navigator
Summary
by MITRE
The XMLHttpRequest object (XMLHTTP) in Netscape 6.1 and Mozilla 0.9.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and list directories on a client system by opening a URL that redirects the browser to the file on the client, then reading the result using the responseText property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0354 represents a critical security flaw in the XMLHttpRequest implementation within Netscape 6.1 and Mozilla 0.9.7 web browsers. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of file system access through the XMLHTTP object, which should only be capable of making network requests but was instead allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw enables remote code execution through file system traversal attacks, where attackers can craft malicious URLs that redirect browsers to local file system resources, effectively circumventing the browser's security model. This issue directly violates the fundamental security principle of web browser sandboxing that prevents web content from accessing local file systems without explicit user consent. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses path traversal attacks that allow unauthorized access to files outside of intended directories. The attack vector leverages the browser's ability to redirect to local file paths through the redirect mechanism, where the XMLHttpRequest object's responseText property can capture the contents of these files, effectively creating a remote file inclusion vulnerability within the browser itself.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fact that the XMLHttpRequest object in these specific browser versions was not properly validating the URLs being accessed through the open() method. When a malicious URL is crafted to point to a local file system path, the browser's redirect functionality allows the request to proceed without proper security checks. The responseText property then enables attackers to read the contents of these files, potentially accessing sensitive information such as configuration files, user data, or system files that should normally be protected from web-based access. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 category for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can craft convincing phishing emails or web pages that exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to local system resources. The flaw essentially creates a client-side code execution environment where remote attackers can leverage the browser's own XMLHttpRequest functionality to perform unauthorized file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the browser's security model. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive user data, credentials, or system configuration files that are stored locally on the victim's machine. The vulnerability affects both Netscape 6.1 and Mozilla 0.9.7, representing a significant portion of the web browser market at the time of discovery, making it particularly dangerous as a widespread security flaw. Organizations using these browsers were vulnerable to attacks that could result in data breaches, credential theft, or further exploitation through the access to local files that might contain additional attack vectors. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a highly effective attack vector for social engineering campaigns. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the security boundaries that should exist between different execution contexts within web browsers, as documented in various security standards and best practices for secure web development.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate browser updates and patches from the affected vendors, as the flaw existed in the core browser functionality rather than in specific web applications. Users were advised to upgrade to newer versions of Netscape and Mozilla browsers that had implemented proper file system access restrictions within the XMLHttpRequest implementation. Security administrators needed to implement network-level protections and web filtering measures to prevent access to known malicious domains that might exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of keeping web browsers updated and the need for organizations to maintain comprehensive patch management programs for all browser versions in use. Additionally, browser vendors were encouraged to implement stricter validation of URL schemes and access controls within XMLHttpRequest objects to prevent similar issues in future implementations. The incident also emphasized the need for proper security testing of browser components, particularly those that handle network requests and file system interactions, to ensure that security boundaries are properly maintained and that malicious actors cannot exploit legitimate browser functionality for unauthorized access.