CVE-2003-0823 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to direct drag and drop behaviors and other mouse click actions to other windows by calling the window.moveBy method, aka HijackClick, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-1027.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0823 represents a significant security flaw in Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 and earlier versions that enables remote attackers to manipulate user interface interactions through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically targets the browser's handling of drag and drop operations and mouse click behaviors, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited to redirect user interactions to unintended windows or applications. The flaw operates by leveraging the window.moveBy method to manipulate the positioning and interaction capabilities of browser windows, effectively allowing attackers to hijack user clicks and drag operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of user interface manipulation attacks that can be used to deceive users into interacting with malicious content while believing they are engaging with legitimate applications or websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Internet Explorer's insufficient validation of window positioning and interaction handling mechanisms. When an attacker crafts malicious web content that utilizes the window.moveBy method, they can programmatically reposition browser windows to specific coordinates on the screen, potentially placing them in locations where users might inadvertently click on malicious elements. This manipulation creates a scenario where users' mouse clicks and drag operations can be directed to different windows or applications than intended, effectively bypassing normal user interface security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the user interaction level rather than at the network or system level, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring or firewall approaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-0823 extends beyond simple user interface manipulation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as phishing, credential theft, and social engineering exploits. Attackers can use this vulnerability to position malicious windows directly over legitimate browser windows, tricking users into entering sensitive information or clicking on malicious links that appear to be part of trusted applications. The hijacking of click behaviors can be particularly effective in conjunction with other techniques, as users may not realize they are interacting with a manipulated window rather than the intended application. This vulnerability demonstrates how browser-based security flaws can be leveraged to bypass user awareness and security controls, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions and applications. The impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Internet Explorer 6 at the time of this vulnerability's discovery, making it a critical security concern for organizations and individuals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0823 primarily focus on updating to newer versions of Internet Explorer that address the underlying window positioning and interaction handling flaws. Microsoft released patches and updates to resolve this vulnerability, and users should ensure they have installed the latest service packs and security updates for their browser software. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include regular updates, browser hardening measures, and user education about the risks of interacting with untrusted web content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and window management in browser security architectures. Security professionals should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for suspicious web content that might exploit this vulnerability and ensure that users have access to up-to-date security patches and browser versions that address known security flaws. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current browser security implementations and the potential consequences of failing to address known vulnerabilities in widely used software platforms.
This vulnerability is classified as a user interface manipulation attack and relates to CWE-250: Execution of Code with Unusual or Unconventional Control Flow, as it involves manipulating the normal control flow of user interface interactions. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the manipulation of user interface elements to achieve unauthorized actions. The vulnerability demonstrates how browser security can be compromised through subtle manipulation of window positioning and interaction handling, creating a dangerous precedent for similar attacks that exploit user interface elements rather than traditional network or system vulnerabilities.