CVE-2002-1262 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 does not perform complete security checks on external caching, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1262 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.5 and 6.0 that stems from inadequate validation of external caching mechanisms. This weakness specifically manifests when the browser processes external resources such as images, scripts, or style sheets from remote servers, failing to properly verify the security context of these cached elements before allowing their execution or access. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insufficient validation of external resources, which aligns with CWE-22 and CWE-20, as it allows unauthorized access to file systems through improper handling of cached content.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the browser's caching subsystem where external resources are stored locally for performance optimization. When Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 cache these resources, they do not adequately validate the security boundaries or access controls that should normally prevent unauthorized file access. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious web pages that reference external resources in ways that bypass normal security checks, potentially enabling them to read files from the local file system that should otherwise be protected. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of web browser security and file system access controls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through improper resource handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive files on the target system that may contain credentials, personal data, or system configuration information. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in corporate environments where users may have access to internal resources or sensitive company data. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a technique for privilege escalation and credential access, specifically related to the use of web-based attacks to bypass local security controls. The exploitation typically requires social engineering to convince users to visit malicious websites, making it particularly challenging to defend against through automated means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1262 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions, as Microsoft released security updates to address the specific caching validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that disable external caching for sensitive operations and enforce strict content security policies. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and proxy server configurations can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browser software updated remains crucial. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and resource handling in web browsers, emphasizing the need for robust security architecture that considers all potential attack vectors including those related to caching mechanisms and external resource management.