CVE-2005-4841 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
The Outlook Progress Ctl control allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Internet Explorer crash) by creating a COM object of the class associated with the control s CLSID, which is not intended for use within Internet Explorer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4841 represents a significant security flaw in Microsoft Outlook's Progress Control component that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against Internet Explorer users. This issue stems from the improper handling of COM objects within the browser environment, specifically when the Outlook Progress Ctl control attempts to create a COM object using its associated CLSID. The vulnerability exists because the control was not designed to operate within Internet Explorer's security context, creating an unexpected execution path that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when Internet Explorer encounters a web page that attempts to instantiate the Outlook Progress Ctl control through its CLSID. This COM object creation process bypasses normal security boundaries and can cause Internet Explorer to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119 as a buffer overflow or memory corruption issue, as the improper COM object handling can lead to memory access violations. The control's design does not account for the security model differences between Outlook's desktop environment and Internet Explorer's sandboxed web browsing context, creating an exploitable gap in Microsoft's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within the broader context of the ATT&CK framework. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to target users who have Outlook installed, particularly in corporate environments where Outlook is commonly used. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious website delivery. The vulnerability affects users who may not even realize they are being targeted, as the attack occurs during normal web browsing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4841 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. Microsoft's recommended approach involves disabling the problematic control through registry modifications or browser security settings that prevent automatic execution of potentially dangerous COM objects. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all systems receive the appropriate security updates. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper COM object isolation and the need for robust security boundaries between different application environments. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can detect and block attempts to load malicious COM objects from untrusted sources, aligning with defensive strategies outlined in the ATT&CK framework for mitigating exploitation techniques.