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Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS00-009)

Patch Available for "Image Source Redirect" Vulnerability

Originally Posted: February 16, 2000

Summary

Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security vulnerability in Microsoft® Internet Explorer. The vulnerability could allow a malicious web site operator to read - but not add, change or delete - certain types of files on the computer of a visiting user.

Frequently asked questions regarding this vulnerability can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/fq00-009.mspx.

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General Information

Issue

When a web server navigates a window from one domain into another one, the IE security model checks the server's permissions on the new page. However, it is possible for a web server to open a browser window to a client-local file, then navigate the window to a page that is in the web site's domain in such a way that the data in the client-local file is accessible to the new window. The data would only be accessible to the new window for a very brief period, but the result is that it could be possible for a malicious web site operator to view files on the computer of a visiting user. The web site operator would need to know (or guess) the name and location of the file, and could only view file types that can be opened in a browser window.

Affected Software Versions

•	Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and 4.01.
•	Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and 5.01.

Vulnerability Identifier: CVE-2000-0156

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Patch Availability

•

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

•

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx

NOTE: Microsoft produces security patches for Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 and higher. In the event that this package is applied to Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1, the package states that a fix is not needed. This message is incorrect, as the vulnerability does exist on Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 or any earlier release. If you are using Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 or any earlier release, please upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer to resolve this issue.

NOTE: Additional security patches are available at the Microsoft Download Center.

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More Information

Please see the following references for more information related to this issue.

•	Microsoft Security Bulletin MS00-009: Frequently Asked Questions.
•	Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article 251109.
•	Microsoft TechNet Security web site.

Obtaining Support on this Issue

This is a fully supported patch. Information on contacting Microsoft Technical Support is available at http://support.microsoft.com/contactussupport/?ws=support

Revisions

•	February 16, 2000: Bulletin Created.

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