CVE-2005-0500 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP SP2 allows remote attackers to spoof the domain name of a URL in a titlebar for a script-initiated popup window, which could facilitate phishing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
This vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer 6.0 running on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and represents a significant security flaw that undermines user trust in web navigation. The issue specifically affects how the browser handles titlebar display for popup windows initiated by JavaScript code, creating a mechanism that can be exploited to deceive users about the true origin of web content. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the displayed domain name in the titlebar, making it appear as though the content originates from a legitimate or trusted source rather than the actual malicious domain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Internet Explorer's handling of cross-domain security boundaries when rendering popup windows. When JavaScript code initiates a popup window, the browser should properly display the originating domain in the titlebar to maintain transparency about the source. However, this vulnerability enables attackers to craft malicious scripts that can override or manipulate the titlebar content, presenting false domain information that appears authentic to users. This manipulation occurs at the browser rendering level where the titlebar display logic fails to properly validate or sanitize the domain information presented to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe in the context of phishing attacks, where attackers can exploit the spoofed domain information to trick users into believing they are interacting with legitimate websites. Users who rely on domain name verification as part of their security practices may be misled by the false titlebar information, potentially leading to credential theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability specifically targets the user interface element that provides crucial security context, effectively undermining the browser's ability to maintain security transparency. This issue falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for "Phishing via Social Engineering" as it enables more sophisticated phishing campaigns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be executed through standard web scripting techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be deployed through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised legitimate sites. The attack surface is broad as it affects any user running Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP SP2, which was widely deployed in enterprise and consumer environments during that time period. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper user interface validation and the critical role that visual security indicators play in user trust and security awareness. The flaw represents a failure in the browser's security model to maintain consistent and trustworthy presentation of security-relevant information to end users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate browser updates to newer versions that properly handle titlebar display for popup windows, implementation of security policies that restrict popup window creation, and user education about verifying URL bar information rather than relying solely on titlebar content. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious scripts that attempt to exploit this behavior. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of comprehensive security testing that includes user interface elements and the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software to protect against known security flaws.