CVE-2004-0845 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6 does not properly cache SSL content, which allows remote attackers to obtain information or spoof content via a web site with the same host name as the target web site, whose content is cached and reused when the user visits the target web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0845 represents a critical security flaw in older versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer that stems from improper handling of SSL content caching mechanisms. This issue affects Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 5.5, and 6.0, which were widely deployed during the early 2000s when web security practices were still evolving. The core problem lies in how these browsers manage cached content when transitioning between secure and non-secure web pages, creating a window of opportunity for sophisticated attack vectors.
The technical flaw manifests when Internet Explorer caches SSL content without proper validation of the certificate chain or host verification. When a user navigates from a legitimate secure website to another site with the same host name but different content, the browser may serve cached SSL content from the previous session. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of secure communication and creates a scenario where attackers can exploit the caching mechanism to inject malicious content or access sensitive information that should remain isolated between different sessions. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper handling of cached data, and represents a classic case of inadequate session management in web browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass content spoofing and potential man-in-the-middle attack scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw by setting up malicious web servers with identical host names to legitimate sites, then wait for users to access the legitimate site. When the cached SSL content is served, the attacker can manipulate the content to appear legitimate to users, potentially capturing sensitive data such as login credentials, personal information, or financial details. This vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently access secure websites and maintain long browser sessions, as the cached content remains accessible for extended periods. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1557.001, which covers "Adversary-in-the-Middle: DNS Cache Poisoning" and demonstrates how improper SSL handling can create opportunities for credential theft and data manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach combining immediate browser updates with network-level protections. Microsoft addressed this issue through security updates and patches released in 2004, but organizations must also implement proper network monitoring to detect unusual caching behavior and ensure users maintain updated browser versions. Network administrators should consider implementing SSL stripping protections and monitoring for suspicious content delivery patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting unfamiliar websites while logged into sensitive accounts and should be encouraged to clear browser caches regularly. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper SSL/TLS implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor caching behaviors can create significant security risks when not properly validated against established security standards and best practices.