CVE-2003-0116 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5 and 6.0 does not properly check the Cascading Style Sheet input parameter for Modal dialogs, which allows remote attackers to read files on the local system via a web page containing script that creates a dialog and then accesses the target files, aka "Modal Dialog script execution."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
This vulnerability resides in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 5.5, and 6.0 where the browser fails to properly validate Cascading Style Sheet input parameters within Modal dialogs. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts that can access local system files through crafted web pages. The vulnerability specifically affects the modal dialog execution mechanism where CSS parameters are not adequately sanitized, creating a path for unauthorized file access.
The technical implementation involves the exploitation of the dialog creation process where attackers can manipulate CSS parameters to bypass security restrictions. When a web page loads with malicious script code, it can trigger a modal dialog that, due to improper input validation, allows access to local files that should otherwise be restricted. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate privilege separation between web content and local system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to read arbitrary files from the local system without user interaction. An attacker could craft a malicious web page that, when visited by an unsuspecting user, would trigger a modal dialog containing malicious code that accesses sensitive files such as configuration data, user credentials, or other system files. The vulnerability essentially provides a method for remote code execution through file system access, which can lead to complete system compromise.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-254, indicating security weaknesses in the dialog handling mechanism. From an ATT&CK perspective, this represents a technique for privilege escalation and initial access through web-based exploitation, falling under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566 for credential harvesting through file system access and T1071 for application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies include applying the relevant Microsoft security patches that address the CSS parameter validation issue in modal dialogs. Users should also implement browser security configurations that restrict local file access and disable unnecessary script execution. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious CSS parameter manipulation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about visiting untrusted websites and the risks associated with executing scripts from unknown sources, as this vulnerability relies heavily on social engineering aspects to be successfully exploited.