CVE-2002-2311 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and possibly others allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary file contents when users press a key corresponding to the JavaScript (1) event.ctrlKey or (2) event.shiftKey onkeydown event contained in a webpage. NOTE: it was reported that the vendor has disputed the severity of this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 and potentially other versions where attackers can exploit a specific JavaScript event handling mechanism to upload arbitrary file contents. The flaw occurs when users interact with webpages containing malicious JavaScript code that monitors keydown events, specifically targeting the ctrlKey or shiftKey properties of the event object. When users press keys corresponding to these key modifiers, the browser executes unintended file upload operations without proper user consent or verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of JavaScript event properties within the Internet Explorer rendering engine. When the browser processes a webpage containing malicious code that references event.ctrlKey or event.shiftKey properties during onkeydown events, it fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before executing file operations. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper access control, aligning with CWE-20 which addresses improper input validation and CWE-284 which deals with improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized file operations on victim systems. An attacker could craft malicious web pages that automatically upload files to the victim's system when specific key combinations are pressed, potentially leading to malware installation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the browser and user input, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly trigger the malicious behavior while performing normal browsing activities. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers phishing with malicious attachments, and T1059 which involves command and scripting interpreter.
The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in browser security architecture where JavaScript event handling does not properly enforce security boundaries between user interactions and system operations. The fact that Microsoft disputed the severity suggests the vendor may have considered the attack vector too narrow or requiring specific user interaction to be exploited, but security researchers have noted that the vulnerability still represents a legitimate security concern due to the potential for social engineering attacks. The issue highlights the importance of proper event handling and input validation in web browsers, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of JavaScript execution environments. Organizations should consider implementing browser security policies, disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, and educating users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of keeping browser software updated and following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.