CVE-2003-1275 in Pocket Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE) 3.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a Javascript function that uses the object.innerHTML function to recursively call that function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1275 affects Pocket Internet Explorer version 3.0, a mobile web browser designed for Windows Mobile devices. This flaw represents a classic stack overflow condition that occurs when processing malicious javascript code, specifically targeting the innerHTML property manipulation within the browser's rendering engine. The vulnerability exists in the way PIE handles recursive javascript calls through the innerHTML function, creating an infinite loop that consumes system resources and ultimately leads to browser termination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the recursive nature of javascript object manipulation within the PIE browser environment. When a malicious webpage contains javascript code that uses innerHTML to set content that includes a reference back to the same function, it creates a recursive call pattern that can exhaust the browser's stack memory allocation. This behavior aligns with CWE-674, which describes the issue of uncontrolled recursion in software applications, and specifically relates to CWE-121, concerning stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and resource management within the browser's javascript engine, where proper bounds checking and recursion depth limitations are absent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks for mobile device users who may encounter malicious websites while browsing. The denial of service condition effectively renders the Pocket Internet Explorer browser unusable until the device is restarted, disrupting user productivity and potentially exposing users to further security risks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it a passive threat that can affect any user of PIE 3.0 without their knowledge. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, specifically targeting the availability of applications through denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how browser-based vulnerabilities can be exploited to compromise system availability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Microsoft, which would involve updating the Pocket Internet Explorer browser to a version that properly handles recursive innerHTML calls. System administrators should implement web content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious websites, and users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted web pages. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious javascript patterns may provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in web browser implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust recursion handling mechanisms in interpreted scripting environments. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management policies that enforce timely security updates and restrict access to potentially harmful web content.