CVE-2002-1442 in Toolbar
Summary
by MITRE
The Google toolbar 1.1.58 and earlier allows remote web sites to perform unauthorized toolbar operations including script execution and file reading in other zones such as "My Computer" by opening a window to tools.google.com or the res: protocol, then using script to modify the window s location to the toolbar s configuration URL, which bypasses the origin verification check.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
This vulnerability resides in the Google toolbar version 1.1.58 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exploits cross-zone scripting mechanisms within web browser environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the toolbar's handling of window location modifications and protocol handling, creating an avenue for remote code execution and unauthorized file access. The flaw enables malicious websites to manipulate the toolbar's configuration interface through the res: protocol, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries that separate different trust zones within the browser environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the toolbar's window management functionality combined with protocol handling inconsistencies. When a remote website opens a window to tools.google.com or utilizes the res: protocol, it can subsequently modify the window location to point toward the toolbar's configuration URL. This manipulation circumvents the origin verification checks that normally prevent unauthorized operations between different security zones. The vulnerability essentially creates a pathway for scripts running in less privileged zones to access and modify resources in more trusted zones, such as "My Computer" which typically has elevated permissions and file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized toolbar operations that can result in complete system compromise. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary scripts, read sensitive files from local storage, and potentially gain access to user data that should remain isolated within protected zones. This cross-zone scripting attack vector represents a significant breach in browser security models, where the expected isolation between different trust levels is violated. The vulnerability particularly affects users who have the Google toolbar installed, making it a widespread concern for web browsing security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Google toolbar versions, as well as implementing enhanced security measures such as strict content security policies and protocol handling restrictions. Organizations should consider disabling the toolbar until proper updates are applied, and implement browser security configurations that prevent unauthorized window manipulation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for script execution and T1074 for data access through compromised applications. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites that may attempt to exploit such browser-based vulnerabilities, and security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts in network traffic logs and user behavior analytics.