CVE-2008-2949 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-domain vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 allows remote attackers to change the location property of a frame via the String data type, and use a frame from a different domain to observe domain-independent events, as demonstrated by observing onkeydown events with caballero-listener. NOTE: according to Microsoft, this is a duplicate of CVE-2008-2947, possibly a different attack vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-domain security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7 that exploits the handling of string data types within frame elements. The issue stems from improper domain isolation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to manipulate frame location properties across different security domains, effectively bypassing the fundamental security boundaries that separate web content from different origins. The vulnerability specifically targets the String data type processing within the browser's frame management system, creating a pathway for attackers to observe events that should remain isolated between domains.
The technical exploitation involves manipulating the location property of a frame element using string manipulation techniques, which enables an attacker to load content from one domain into a frame that appears to originate from another domain. This creates a scenario where events such as keyboard input handlers can be observed across domain boundaries through the caballero-listener demonstration technique. The flaw leverages the browser's insufficient validation of cross-domain frame navigation, allowing attackers to observe onkeydown events and other domain-independent activities that should be restricted to their originating domain. This represents a classic violation of the same-origin policy that forms the cornerstone of web security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and further exploitation of the compromised browser environment. Attackers can use this technique to observe user interactions across different domains, potentially capturing sensitive information such as passwords, personal data, or confidential communications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper output neutralization for logs, and also relates to CWE-94, representing the execution of arbitrary code through improper handling of dynamic code generation. The attack methodology follows patterns consistent with the attack technique T1059.007 from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which involves the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code.
Microsoft's designation of this as a duplicate of CVE-2008-2947 indicates that while the underlying vulnerability may be the same, different attack vectors or exploitation methods were identified. This classification suggests that the core issue involves the same fundamental flaw in Internet Explorer's cross-domain security model, but with potentially different manifestation paths or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of modern browser security where seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant attack surfaces, particularly in older browser versions that lack the security mitigations present in newer releases. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates, network-level restrictions, and user education to prevent exploitation of this cross-domain vulnerability that could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive web resources and user data.