CVE-2006-7029 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP2 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a frameset with only one frame that calls resizeTo with certain arguments. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-3637.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2019
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 2 and earlier versions contain a vulnerability that enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through a specifically crafted frameset structure combined with the resizeTo JavaScript function. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and memory management issues that can lead to application instability and system crashes. The flaw specifically manifests when a web page contains a frameset element with only a single frame, and this frame executes the resizeTo JavaScript method with particular parameter combinations that cause the browser to enter an undefined state.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the browser's handling of frame resizing operations within a single-frame frameset environment. When Internet Explorer processes the resizeTo function call within this specific context, the browser's JavaScript engine fails to properly validate the input parameters or manage the memory allocation required for the resize operation. This leads to a buffer overflow or memory corruption scenario that ultimately results in the browser process crashing and the application becoming unresponsive. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through web pages that are loaded remotely, making it a significant threat vector for attackers who wish to disrupt user browsing sessions or potentially deliver more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a fundamental flaw in how the browser handles frame manipulation operations. Users who encounter malicious web pages containing this exploit will experience immediate browser crashes, potentially leading to loss of unsaved work and disruption of productivity. From a security perspective, this vulnerability could serve as a precursor to more serious attacks, as it demonstrates the browser's susceptibility to memory corruption issues that might be exploited in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution. The issue is particularly relevant in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted web content, and it highlights the importance of keeping browser software updated to address known security flaws.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios. The attack pattern follows elements of the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks through web application vulnerabilities. The exploit requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing web filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious content. Additionally, browser hardening measures such as disabling JavaScript or implementing content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in web browser development, particularly when handling dynamic content manipulation operations like frame resizing and positioning functions.