CVE-2014-1816 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft XML Core Services (aka MSXML) 3.0 and 6.0 does not properly restrict the information transmitted by Internet Explorer during a download action, which allows remote attackers to discover (1) full pathnames on the client system and (2) local usernames embedded in these pathnames via a crafted web site, aka "MSXML Entity URI Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The CVE-2014-1816 vulnerability represents a significant information disclosure flaw within Microsoft XML Core Services that affected both MSXML 3.0 and 6.0 versions. This vulnerability resides in the way Internet Explorer handles XML data during download operations, creating an unexpected information leakage channel that could be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically manifests when MSXML processes entity URIs during XML parsing operations, where it inadvertently transmits sensitive client-side information without proper access controls or sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) highlights its fundamental nature as an information disclosure weakness that undermines system security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted web content that triggers MSXML to resolve entity URIs during XML processing. When Internet Explorer encounters such malicious XML content, the MSXML component attempts to resolve these URIs and inadvertently includes client-side pathnames and potentially local usernames in the transmission. This occurs because the XML parser fails to properly restrict or sanitize the URI resolution process, allowing the system to leak information about the local file system structure and user account details. The vulnerability specifically impacts how MSXML handles file system paths that contain user information, making it particularly dangerous for environments where usernames are embedded within file paths or directory structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1816 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked pathnames and usernames can provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks. Attackers can use the discovered pathnames to map the client's file system structure, potentially identifying sensitive directories, configuration files, or application-specific locations. The inclusion of local usernames in these pathnames creates additional attack vectors, as attackers can enumerate user accounts and potentially use this information for credential guessing, privilege escalation, or targeted social engineering attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where user accounts are embedded in file paths, making it easier for attackers to build comprehensive profiles of target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Microsoft released patches that addressed the specific URI resolution behavior within MSXML, requiring proper validation and sanitization of entity URIs during XML processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected MSXML versions are updated promptly. Network-based mitigations can include implementing web application firewalls that monitor for suspicious XML content patterns and blocking potentially malicious entity URI references. Additionally, security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper XML handling practices and the importance of validating all external inputs to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1069 (Permission Groups) as it enables attackers to gather system information and user account details that can be used for further lateral movement and privilege escalation activities.