CVE-2002-1688 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The browser history feature in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 through 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other users and steal authentication information via cookies by injecting JavaScript into the URL, which is executed when the user hits the Back button.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1688 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.5 through 6.0 that exploits the browser's history management functionality. This weakness specifically targets the way Internet Explorer handles URL navigation and history tracking, creating a persistent execution environment for malicious JavaScript code. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the browser's back button functionality to trigger stored malicious scripts, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise user sessions without requiring direct user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Internet Explorer stores and processes URLs within its browser history component. When a user navigates to a maliciously crafted URL containing embedded JavaScript code, the browser history feature stores this URL in the user's browsing history. The vulnerability manifests when the user subsequently navigates back to this page using the back button, causing the stored JavaScript code to execute automatically in the context of the current session. This mechanism creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively bypassing traditional security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1688 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass full session hijacking capabilities and credential theft. Attackers can inject JavaScript code that captures authentication cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive information from the victim's browser session. This exploitation capability directly violates the fundamental security principle of isolation between different web applications and user sessions. The vulnerability's effectiveness is amplified by its ability to operate silently in the background, making detection difficult for both users and security systems. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond normal browsing activities, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns and automated exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, demonstrating how browser-based scripting environments can be weaponized for persistent threats. The attack vector represents a classic example of a stored XSS vulnerability where malicious content is stored on the victim's device and executed later during normal browsing operations. Organizations implementing security controls must consider this vulnerability as part of broader web application security strategies, particularly in environments where legacy Internet Explorer versions remain in use. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper input validation for URL handling, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious JavaScript injection attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of navigating back to unfamiliar websites and the importance of maintaining updated browser software remains crucial for mitigating the risk associated with this vulnerability.