CVE-2011-1960 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 does not properly implement JavaScript event handlers, which allows remote attackers to access content from a different (1) domain or (2) zone via unspecified script code, aka "Event Handlers Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2021
The CVE-2011-1960 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 9 that stems from improper implementation of JavaScript event handlers. This vulnerability operates at the core of web browser security mechanisms, specifically targeting the cross-domain security policies that protect users from malicious content injection. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass security boundaries that should prevent access to content from different domains or security zones, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited to extract sensitive information. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (JavaScript) demonstrates its fundamental impact on web application security and user data protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer fails to properly validate or restrict JavaScript event handler execution across domain boundaries. When users navigate to web pages containing malicious script code, the browser's event handling mechanism allows unauthorized access to resources that should be restricted based on domain or security zone policies. This improper handling creates a pathway for attackers to access content that would normally be protected by the browser's security model, potentially exposing sensitive data, session information, or other confidential resources. The vulnerability's exploitation relies on the browser's failure to enforce proper security boundaries during JavaScript event processing, particularly when dealing with cross-domain requests or content from different security zones.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1960 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breach in the browser's security architecture that could enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform cross-site scripting attacks, access user sessions, or extract sensitive data from other domains without proper authorization. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, making it particularly dangerous as it could impact users running older browser versions that may not receive security updates. This information disclosure could lead to credential theft, session hijacking, or the exposure of private data, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where users might be running outdated browser versions. The vulnerability's potential for exploitation aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1566 (Phishing), as it could be used in conjunction with social engineering campaigns to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1960 require immediate action to address the underlying browser security flaw. Users should upgrade to supported versions of Internet Explorer or migrate to modern browsers that properly implement cross-domain security policies. Microsoft released patches for this vulnerability, but organizations must ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Security administrators should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious script code. Browser security configurations should be hardened by disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict content security policies. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining current browser versions to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation approach must align with security standards such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO 27001, ensuring comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats.