CVE-2014-0266 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The XMLHTTP ActiveX controls in XML Core Services 3.0 in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allow remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via a web page that is visited in Internet Explorer, aka "MSXML Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The CVE-2014-0266 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft's XML Core Services 3.0 ActiveX controls that affected multiple versions of the windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically targets the XMLHTTP ActiveX control implementation within MSXML, which is a core component of Microsoft's XML processing infrastructure. The flaw exists in how these controls handle cross-origin requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass fundamental web security mechanisms that protect users from unauthorized data access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the Same Origin Policy within the MSXML ActiveX controls. When a user visits a malicious web page in Internet Explorer, the vulnerable XMLHTTP control can be exploited to make cross-origin requests that would normally be blocked by browser security policies. This allows attackers to access resources that should be restricted to the same origin domain, effectively enabling information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows systems running XP SP2/SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, Server 2008 SP2/R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Server 2012 Gold/R2, and Windows RT Gold/8.1, making it a widespread issue across Microsoft's legacy and modern operating systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0266 is significant as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized data access operations without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vulnerability can be exploited in various attack scenarios including cross-site scripting attacks, data exfiltration from internal networks, and information gathering for more sophisticated attacks. The flaw essentially allows attackers to circumvent browser security boundaries that are fundamental to preventing malicious code from accessing sensitive data from other domains or origins. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a medium to high severity issue due to its potential for data disclosure and the ease with which it can be exploited through simple web page visits.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches released as part of the February 2014 security updates. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as enhanced browser security policies, network monitoring for suspicious cross-origin requests, and user education regarding safe browsing practices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes information exposure problems in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and security boundary enforcement in web application components, particularly those handling cross-origin resource requests. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.