CVE-2008-3474 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 does not properly determine the domain or security zone of origin of web script, which allows remote attackers to bypass the intended cross-domain security policy and obtain sensitive information via a crafted HTML document, aka "Cross-Domain Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3474 represents a critical cross-domain security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7 that fundamentally undermines the browser's security model. This weakness stems from the browser's improper handling of domain and security zone determination for web scripts, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the trust relationships between different domains to access sensitive information. The vulnerability operates within the core security architecture of Internet Explorer, specifically targeting how the browser evaluates and enforces cross-domain restrictions that are essential for maintaining secure web browsing environments. This issue directly violates the fundamental security principle of domain isolation that prevents unauthorized data access between different web origins.
The technical flaw manifests when Internet Explorer fails to correctly identify the originating domain of web scripts, allowing attackers to craft malicious HTML documents that can bypass the browser's intended security policies. This misidentification creates a pathway for cross-domain information disclosure where scripts from one domain can access resources or data from another domain that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the security zone level, where different trust levels are assigned to various domains and locations, and the improper determination allows attackers to elevate their privileges within the browser's security framework. The flaw essentially creates a loophole in the browser's security zone enforcement mechanisms, which are designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information based on domain relationships.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated cross-domain attacks that can compromise user data and system integrity. Remote attackers can construct malicious web pages that exploit this weakness to access sensitive information that should be protected by the browser's security model, potentially including cookies, session data, or other confidential information stored in different security zones. This vulnerability affects the core trust model of Internet Explorer and can be leveraged to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, or other advanced persistent threats that rely on breaking down the security boundaries between different web domains. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only a crafted HTML document, making it easily deployable through phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3474 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams, as the vulnerability represents a serious threat to web security. Microsoft released patches and updates to address this specific issue, and organizations should ensure all affected Internet Explorer installations are updated to the latest security releases. Browser security configurations should be reviewed to enforce stricter cross-domain policies, and users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites that may contain malicious content. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to detect and block potentially malicious content. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through browser exploitation. Organizations should also implement monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address any successful attacks that may occur due to this vulnerability.