CVE-2002-1671 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.01, and 5.5 allows remote attackers to monitor the contents of the clipboard via the getData method of the clipboardData object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2019
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.0, 5.01, and 5.5 where the clipboardData object's getData method fails to properly validate or restrict access to clipboard contents. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized access to clipboard data through malicious web scripts that leverage the browser's clipboard functionality. This represents a significant security risk as it enables attackers to capture sensitive information that users have copied to their clipboard, potentially including passwords, personal identification numbers, or other confidential data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the browser's implementation of the clipboardData object, creating an unauthorized data exfiltration channel.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the clipboardData object's getData method which should normally be restricted to prevent unauthorized access to clipboard contents. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that execute scripts to retrieve clipboard data without proper user consent or authorization. The flaw exists at the application layer where the browser's scripting engine fails to properly enforce security boundaries around clipboard operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to inadequate access control mechanisms in web browser implementations. The security weakness creates a direct path for attackers to bypass normal user permission controls and access clipboard data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create potential for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration. Attackers can use this vulnerability to capture authentication tokens, personal information, or other sensitive data that users have copied to their clipboard, potentially enabling them to impersonate users or gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected Internet Explorer versions and can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged by attackers to harvest sensitive information from unsuspecting users in a variety of scenarios including corporate environments, public computing facilities, or personal browsing sessions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions to address the clipboard access control flaw. Organizations should implement browser security policies that restrict clipboard access for untrusted websites and consider deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block malicious clipboard access attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of avoiding suspicious web content that might attempt to access clipboard data. Security configurations should include disabling or restricting clipboard functionality in web browsers where possible, particularly in enterprise environments. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement proper access control measures to prevent unauthorized data access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control in browser implementations, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of web browser components. This issue serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations in browser design and the potential for seemingly benign features to become attack vectors when proper access controls are not implemented.