CVE-2016-0068 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to bypass the Same Origin Policy via unspecified vectors, aka "Internet Explorer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0069.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0068 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 that enables remote attackers to circumvent the fundamental Same Origin Policy mechanism. This weakness operates as an elevation of privilege vulnerability that fundamentally undermines web browser security by allowing malicious actors to access resources that should be restricted to the same origin. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it directly targets the core security model that protects web applications from cross-site attacks. The Same Origin Policy serves as the primary defense mechanism preventing unauthorized access between different domains, and its compromise creates a pathway for attackers to execute malicious activities across web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves unspecified vectors that allow attackers to bypass the security boundaries that normally prevent one web page from accessing resources from another domain. This flaw enables attackers to perform actions that should be restricted by the browser's security model, potentially allowing them to read sensitive data, manipulate web content, or execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability's classification as an elevation of privilege issue indicates that it allows attackers to gain access to resources or capabilities that they would not normally have access to within the browser environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the browser level and can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring local system access or additional privileges from the user.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0068 extends beyond simple data theft or unauthorized access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in web security that can enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially execute cross-site scripting attacks, access sensitive user data, or manipulate web applications in ways that compromise the integrity and confidentiality of web-based services. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts legacy systems that many organizations continue to use. This creates an environment where attackers can exploit the flaw across multiple browser versions, increasing the potential attack surface and making it more difficult for organizations to protect against the threat. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2016-0069 demonstrates that Microsoft was addressing multiple related security issues within the same timeframe, highlighting the complexity and interconnected nature of browser security vulnerabilities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to supported browser versions, applying relevant security patches, and implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and browser hardening measures. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK tactic T1059 indicates that it can be exploited through application layer attacks, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access to systems. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may still be running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer, as the long-term support for legacy browsers creates ongoing security risks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for organizations to phase out legacy systems that no longer receive security updates.