CVE-2007-1499 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP and Vista allows remote attackers to conduct phishing attacks and possibly execute arbitrary code via a res: URI to navcancl.htm with an arbitrary URL as an argument, which displays the URL in the location bar of the "Navigation Canceled" page and injects the script into the "Refresh the page" link, aka Navigation Cancel Page Spoofing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2021
The CVE-2007-1499 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 that specifically affects Windows XP and Vista operating systems. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in how the browser handles URI parsing and page rendering, creating a sophisticated attack vector that enables malicious actors to conduct highly deceptive phishing operations. The vulnerability stems from the way Internet Explorer processes res: URIs, which are typically used for accessing resources within the browser's own application framework. When a malicious res: URI is directed to the navcancl.htm page, it creates a dangerous chain of events that compromises user trust and system security.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the Navigation Canceled page functionality within Internet Explorer. When a user encounters a navigation cancellation scenario, the browser displays the navcancl.htm page which normally shows a "Navigation Canceled" message. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject arbitrary URLs into the location bar of this cancellation page by passing malicious arguments to the navcancl.htm handler. The flaw specifically affects how the browser renders the "Refresh the page" link on this cancellation page, enabling script injection that can execute malicious code within the context of the user's browsing session. This creates a perfect storm for phishing attacks where users are deceived into believing they are visiting legitimate websites while actually being redirected to malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple phishing attacks, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The spoofing mechanism allows attackers to manipulate the browser's location bar to display deceptive URLs that appear legitimate, while simultaneously injecting malicious scripts into the refresh functionality. This creates a persistent threat vector where users may be tricked into performing actions based on false information displayed in the browser's interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, bypassing many traditional security measures that rely on URL validation and display integrity. Attackers can leverage this to create convincing fake login pages, banking interfaces, or other trusted web applications that appear authentic to users while actually executing malicious payloads.
This vulnerability aligns with several established security frameworks and attack patterns, including CWE-74 which addresses injection flaws in web applications, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing attacks through social engineering. The attack chain demonstrates how browser-based vulnerabilities can be exploited to create sophisticated deception scenarios that exploit human trust in familiar browser interfaces. The vulnerability also reflects broader concerns about URI handling and resource management within web browsers, as identified in various security standards that emphasize the importance of proper input validation and secure resource access patterns. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of credential theft, malware installation, and data compromise, as users are deceived into interacting with malicious content that appears to be legitimate browser functionality. The recommended mitigations include applying Microsoft security patches, implementing browser hardening measures, and educating users about the signs of such sophisticated phishing attacks.