CVE-2014-0293 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to read content from a different (1) domain or (2) zone via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Cross-domain Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-domain information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200. The vulnerability arises from insufficient security controls within the browser's cross-origin resource sharing mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to bypass security restrictions that should prevent access to content from different domains or security zones. The flaw specifically affects the browser's handling of cross-domain requests and resource access, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the browser's security model by crafting malicious web content that can trick Internet Explorer into revealing sensitive data from other domains or security zones. Attackers can construct web pages that leverage the browser's trust relationships and memory management to access resources that should normally be restricted. This occurs through manipulation of the browser's security boundaries and can potentially expose user data, session information, or other sensitive content stored in different security contexts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer, extending its potential impact across a wide range of systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0293 is significant, as it enables remote attackers to perform information disclosure attacks without requiring local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This creates a substantial risk for organizations where users may inadvertently navigate to compromised sites, leading to potential data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability can be leveraged in phishing campaigns, drive-by download attacks, or other social engineering operations where attackers seek to harvest data from users' browsing sessions. Organizations with users running affected Internet Explorer versions face increased risk of targeted attacks and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, which address the underlying cross-domain access control flaws in the affected browser versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and utilizing security tooling such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the risks of visiting untrusted websites remains critical. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering methods including spearphishing with a malicious attachment or link, and T1071 which covers application layer protocol usage for data exfiltration. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls to monitor and restrict cross-domain communication patterns and maintain regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts.