CVE-2010-3348 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 7, and 8 does not prevent rendering of cached content as HTML, which allows remote attackers to access content from a different (1) domain or (2) zone via unspecified script code, aka "Cross-Domain Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-3342.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3348 represents a critical cross-domain information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, and 8. This vulnerability stems from the browser's improper handling of cached content rendering mechanisms, specifically when content from different domains or security zones is processed. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the browser's caching behavior to access content that should normally be restricted due to cross-domain security policies. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1557 for credential access via remote access tools. The issue manifests when Internet Explorer fails to properly enforce security boundaries between different domains or security zones, creating an avenue for attackers to bypass standard web security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the browser's handling of cached HTML content where the security context is not properly validated before rendering. When Internet Explorer processes cached content, it does not adequately verify whether the content originated from the same domain or security zone as the current browsing context. This allows attackers to craft malicious scripts or content that can access cached resources from different domains or zones. The unspecified script code mentioned in the vulnerability description likely involves techniques that manipulate the browser's cache mechanism or exploit timing attacks to retrieve cross-domain content. The flaw essentially creates a bypass of the same-origin policy that browsers enforce to prevent unauthorized access to resources from different domains, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on domain-based security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3348 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive data that should be isolated between different security contexts. This vulnerability could allow attackers to retrieve cached content from corporate intranets, personal accounts, or other sensitive resources that were previously accessed by users within the same browser session. The attack vector typically involves hosting malicious content on a compromised server that can trigger the vulnerability when users browse to specific pages or interact with certain elements. The vulnerability's classification as a cross-domain information disclosure means that attackers can potentially access content from different security zones, including local intranet resources that should be protected from external access. This creates significant risk for organizations where users may have legitimate access to multiple domains or zones within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3348 require a multi-layered approach combining browser updates, security policy enforcement, and network-level protections. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that improved the browser's handling of cached content and strengthened cross-domain security boundaries. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and ensure all affected Internet Explorer versions are updated to the latest security releases. Browser configuration changes can include disabling caching for sensitive content, implementing stricter security policies for cross-domain requests, and enabling security features like protected mode or enhanced security settings. Network-level mitigations should focus on content filtering and monitoring for suspicious cross-domain access patterns, while also implementing proper web application security controls that do not rely solely on browser-based security mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this type of cross-domain information disclosure vulnerability.