CVE-2008-5912 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
An unspecified function in the JavaScript implementation in Microsoft Internet Explorer creates and exposes a "temporary footprint" when there is a current login to a web site, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick a user into acting upon a spoofed pop-up message, aka an "in-session phishing attack." NOTE: as of 20090116, the only disclosure is a vague pre-advisory with no actionable information. However, because it is from a well-known researcher, it is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2021
This vulnerability resides in the JavaScript implementation of Microsoft Internet Explorer and represents a sophisticated session hijacking vector that exploits the browser's handling of temporary file footprints during active web sessions. The flaw manifests when a user maintains an authenticated session with a website, creating a persistent temporary footprint that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute in-session phishing attacks. The vulnerability stems from how Internet Explorer manages temporary file creation and exposure during JavaScript execution, particularly when users are logged into web applications. This creates a window of opportunity where attackers can manipulate the browser's temporary file system to craft convincing spoofed pop-up messages that appear to originate from legitimate authenticated sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of Internet Explorer's temporary file handling mechanisms within the JavaScript engine. When a user navigates to a web page while authenticated to a site, the browser creates temporary footprint files that persist in the system's temporary directories. These files contain session-related metadata that can be accessed by malicious JavaScript code, allowing attackers to construct deceptive pop-up messages that mimic legitimate session prompts. The vulnerability specifically affects how the browser's JavaScript engine manages temporary file creation and exposure, creating a security boundary that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring local system access. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific manifestation here relates to improper temporary file management rather than memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass broader session manipulation capabilities that could enable credential theft, unauthorized transactions, and data exfiltration. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to create convincing pop-up messages that appear to originate from authenticated sessions, making it significantly more difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious prompts. The in-session phishing attack vector is particularly dangerous because users are already logged into legitimate applications, reducing their suspicion levels when confronted with seemingly authentic warnings or prompts. This vulnerability represents a sophisticated attack pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers phishing campaigns, but specifically targets authenticated sessions to increase attack effectiveness. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed entirely through web-based vectors, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users maintain extended authenticated sessions with corporate applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on comprehensive browser security hardening and user education initiatives. Microsoft recommended updating to the latest security patches and implementing browser security policies that restrict temporary file access and JavaScript execution capabilities. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block suspicious pop-up behaviors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper temporary file handling in browser implementations and underscores the need for robust session management practices. Users should be educated about the risks of interacting with unexpected pop-ups, particularly during active web sessions. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict temporary file access controls. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous temporary file creation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper temporary file management in web browsers and the potential for seemingly benign functionality to create significant security risks when not properly secured.