CVE-2002-0723 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 does not properly verify the domain of a frame within a browser window, which allows remote attackers to read client files or invoke executable objects via the Object tag, aka "Cross Domain Verification in Object Tag."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
This vulnerability resides in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.5 and 6.0 where the browser fails to properly validate domain boundaries when processing frame elements within browser windows. The flaw specifically affects how the browser handles the Object tag, which is commonly used to embed ActiveX controls or other executable content. When a malicious web page attempts to load an object from a different domain, the browser's security model should prevent access to local resources or execution of potentially harmful code, but this verification mechanism is bypassed due to inadequate domain checking.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper output sanitization or lack of proper input validation in security contexts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that attempt to load objects from trusted domains while simultaneously attempting to access local files or execute code on the victim's machine. The cross-domain verification failure creates a security boundary that should exist but does not, allowing attackers to circumvent the browser's security model that normally prevents unauthorized access between different domains.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform cross-site scripting attacks with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to read sensitive client-side files, execute arbitrary code, or access system resources that should normally be protected. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include full system compromise potential, as attackers can leverage the Object tag to load malicious ActiveX controls or other executable components. This vulnerability represents a classic browser security flaw that can be exploited in the context of social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into visiting malicious websites.
The attack vector typically involves a malicious website that loads a frame from a trusted domain while simultaneously attempting to access local resources through the Object tag. This approach can bypass traditional security measures because the browser incorrectly assumes that since the frame originates from a trusted domain, it should be allowed to access local resources without proper verification. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper domain validation in web browser security implementations and highlights the dangers of insufficient sandboxing mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate browser updates to patched versions that properly implement domain verification for frame elements and Object tag processing. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious Object tag usage patterns, along with user education about avoiding untrusted websites. The remediation process involves both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements to browser security models, including enhanced sandboxing and stricter cross-domain access controls. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fundamental importance of proper security boundary enforcement in browser implementations and the critical need for comprehensive security testing of web browser components.