CVE-2002-0696 in Visual FoxPro
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 does not register its associated files with Internet Explorer, which allows remote attackers to execute Visual FoxPro applications without warning via HTML that references specially-crafted filenames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2019
Microsoft Visual FoxPro 6.0 contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from its improper registration with Internet Explorer's file association system. This flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and improper privilege management, classified under CWE-15 as improper handling of exceptional conditions. The vulnerability occurs when Visual FoxPro applications fail to properly register their file extensions with Internet Explorer, creating an exploitable gap in the browser's security model that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary Visual FoxPro applications through carefully crafted HTML references.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between Internet Explorer and registered application handlers. When a user visits a malicious webpage containing HTML code that references a Visual FoxPro file with a specially crafted filename, the browser attempts to execute the associated Visual FoxPro application without any user warning or prompt. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of user consent and application execution control, as defined in the OWASP Top Ten 2017 category A03: Injection and A04: Insecure Design. The vulnerability specifically affects the file association mechanism within Windows operating systems where Visual FoxPro 6.0 fails to properly register its executable handlers with the browser's security context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, representing a significant threat vector for remote code execution attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious Visual FoxPro applications that may perform unauthorized actions such as file manipulation, system information gathering, or even privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in software to execute malicious code on target systems.
The security implications of this flaw are compounded by the fact that Visual FoxPro applications typically run with the privileges of the user who executes them, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions within the user's security context. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper application registration and the dangers of applications failing to properly integrate with operating system security models. Organizations running Visual FoxPro 6.0 on systems that may encounter untrusted web content face significant risk of compromise. The mitigation strategy involves ensuring proper file association registration with Internet Explorer, applying Microsoft security patches, and implementing network-level protections such as content filtering and browser security restrictions to prevent execution of untrusted Visual FoxPro content.