CVE-2005-2829 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple design errors in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6 allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code by (1) overlaying a malicious new window above a file download box, then (2) using a keyboard shortcut and delaying the display of the file download box until the user hits a shortcut that activates the "Run" button, aka "File Download Dialog Box Manipulation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2021
This vulnerability represents a sophisticated design flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 5.5, and 6 that exploits the browser's user interface interaction model. The vulnerability stems from how Internet Explorer handles file download dialog boxes and window management, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the user interface to execute arbitrary code. The attack requires user interaction but leverages the browser's window overlay mechanisms to create a deceptive environment where the victim's actions inadvertently trigger malicious code execution. This flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the browser's security model, where the user interface elements designed for convenience become attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence of user interface manipulation techniques that exploit the timing and layering of window elements within the browser's graphical interface. Attackers can create malicious windows that overlay legitimate download prompts, effectively creating a deceptive user experience where the victim believes they are interacting with a standard download dialog. The vulnerability specifically targets the keyboard shortcut handling mechanism, where the delayed display of the download box combined with specific keyboard inputs can trigger the execution of malicious code. This represents a classic case of user interface deception combined with improper input validation and window management security controls. The flaw aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control flow management in user interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments. Organizations using these older browser versions face significant risk as the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond normal browsing behavior, making it particularly dangerous in corporate settings where users may unknowingly trigger the exploit. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, and compromised web content, making it a versatile threat. Network administrators and security teams must consider that this vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks, particularly when users with elevated privileges browse compromised sites. The attack scenario requires social engineering elements but the underlying technical flaw in the browser's window management creates an automated attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security posture considerations. Microsoft released patches that corrected the window overlay behavior and improved the handling of keyboard shortcuts in download dialog boxes. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for affected systems and implement browser lockdown policies that limit user interaction with potentially malicious content. Security controls should include web application firewalls, content filtering solutions, and browser hardening measures that prevent the overlay behavior that enables this attack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper user interface security design and demonstrates how seemingly benign features can become security risks when not properly validated. Implementing defense-in-depth strategies including user education about suspicious download prompts and regular security assessments helps reduce the risk of exploitation. This vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date browser versions and following security best practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's browser exploitation techniques, where user interface manipulation represents a common attack pattern in modern exploitation campaigns.