CVE-2002-1217 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-Frame scripting vulnerability in the WebBrowser control as used in Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, read arbitrary files, or conduct other unauthorized activities via script that accesses the Document property, which bypasses <frame> and <iframe> domain restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The cross-frame scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1217 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.5 and 6.0 that fundamentally undermines the browser's security model. This vulnerability specifically targets the WebBrowser control component that serves as the foundation for Internet Explorer's document rendering capabilities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent essential web security boundaries that normally prevent cross-domain script execution. The flaw resides in how the browser handles the Document property access within frame and iframe elements, allowing attackers to exploit the underlying security architecture that should prevent scripts from different domains from accessing each other's content. This vulnerability directly violates the same-origin policy that forms the cornerstone of web security standards and is classified under CWE-94 as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code" due to the execution of unauthorized code through script manipulation. The attack vector specifically leverages the WebBrowser control's handling of Document properties to bypass domain restrictions that are typically enforced by the browser's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems by crafting malicious scripts that manipulate the Document property of frame elements, effectively allowing scripts from one domain to access and manipulate content from another domain. This cross-frame scripting capability bypasses the standard security mechanisms that normally enforce domain isolation between different frames and iframes, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability allows for the execution of malicious code that can read arbitrary files from the target system, potentially accessing sensitive data or system resources that should normally be protected from cross-domain access. Attackers can exploit this flaw by embedding malicious scripts within web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, trigger the vulnerability through the WebBrowser control's Document property manipulation, effectively breaking down the security boundaries that separate different web contexts and domains. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser control level rather than the application level, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through traditional web application security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1217 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass comprehensive data theft and system compromise capabilities that can affect enterprise networks and individual users alike. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer become susceptible to sophisticated attacks where malicious actors can harvest sensitive information, inject malicious content into web applications, and potentially establish persistent access to systems. The vulnerability's ability to read arbitrary files makes it particularly dangerous for environments where users access sensitive corporate data through Internet Explorer, as attackers can extract confidential documents, credentials, or other protected information. This vulnerability has been categorized under the attack technique of privilege escalation within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to techniques that exploit browser security flaws to gain elevated privileges. The impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, making this vulnerability a significant threat vector for large-scale attacks targeting organizations with legacy browser configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1217 require immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions through Microsoft security updates, as the vulnerability fundamentally stems from the browser's core security implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that enforce the use of updated browser versions and disable potentially dangerous scripting capabilities where possible. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious script patterns attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that security updates do not break existing business applications while maintaining the integrity of the browser's security model. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate other potential vulnerabilities that may exist in legacy browser configurations, as this vulnerability often serves as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks that can leverage the initial compromise for further system infiltration. Security teams should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous script execution patterns and unauthorized file access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.