AusCERT - AA-2003.04 -- Microsoft Internet Explorer incorrectly displays URLs

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AA-2003.04 -- Microsoft Internet Explorer incorrectly displays URLs
Date: 10 December 2003
References: ESB-2004.0083 ESB-2004.0175

Click here for printable version
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AA-2003.04                     AUSCERT Advisory

           Microsoft Internet Explorer incorrectly displays URLs
                             10 December 2003

Last Revised: 12 December 2003

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Product:                Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows
                        Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows
Operating System:       Microsoft Windows
Impact:                 Reduced Security
Access Required:        Remote

This vulnerability can be exploited to allow the information in the address 
bar to not reflect the true origin of the web page.

Exploit information involving this vulnerability has been made publicly
available.

AusCERT recommends that sites consider taking the steps outlined in 
section 3.

This advisory may be updated as more information becomes available.

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1.  Description

    Internet Explorer is a widely used web browser. Normally, the URL of 
    the web site currently being viewed is displayed in the Address bar.

    However, certain URLs can be used to disguise the true origin of a 
    web page by displaying misleading information in the Address bar. Note
    that this includes misleading HTTPS URLs.

    Exploit information and proof of concept code involving this 
    vulnerability has been made publicly available on the BugTraq [1] and 
    Full Disclosure [2] mailing lists. The AusCERT web site has a copy of 
    this proof of concept [3].

    Currently there are no vendor patches available that address this
    vulnerability.  AusCERT recommends that official vendor patches be
    installed when they are made available.

2.  Impact

    This vulnerability is reported to affect (fully patched) Internet 
    Explorer 5.5 and 6 on Microsoft Windows platforms.

    This vulnerability does not require Active Scripting to be enabled for 
    successful  exploitation. There are currently no patches available from 
    Microsoft to address this vulnerability.

    This gives a greater potential for a malicious web page to masquerade as 
    a legitimate web site. AusCERT anticipates that this vulnerability will 
    be used by fraudulent online banking, electronic payment and online 
    software update sites. The perception of authenticity may be increased 
    due to display of an expected URL and the display of the security padlock.
    In order to check the validity of a site, the user must check the 
    certificate details and ensure they match the URL being displayed.

3.  Workarounds/Mitigation

    Because of this and other recent vulnerabilities for which there are no 
    patches available [4], AusCERT sees the use of alternative browsers as
    the only current effective workaround. Mozilla and Netscape browsers do 
    not appear to be affected by this vulnerability. Note that Internet 
    Explorer components are used by other programs (such as Outlook Express) 
    to render web content and therefore may also be subject to vulnerability.

    It has been reported that Internet Explorer running on the Mac OS or Mac
    OS X platforms is not affected by this vulnerability.

    AusCERT also recommends Internet users follow the guidelines listed in [5]. 
 
REFERENCES:

    [1] Internet Explorer URL parsing vulnerability
        http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/346948

    [2] [Full-Disclosure] FWD: Internet Explorer URL parsing vulnerability
        http://lists.netsys.com/pipermail/full-disclosure/2003-December/014663.html

    [3] Microsoft Internet Explorer - hidden URL proof of concept
        https://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3678

    [4] AU-2003.019 -- AusCERT Update - Exploit Code Publicly Available for 
        Microsoft Internet Explorer Cross Domain Scripting Vulnerabilities
        https://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3643

    [5] AL-2003.04 -- Increase in fraudulent activity targeting users of online 
        banking and electronic payment sites
        http://www.auscert.org.au/2909

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AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation\'s site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

AusCERT also maintains a World Wide Web service which is found on:
http://www.auscert.org.au.

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business
                hours which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).  On call after hours
                for member emergencies only.

Postal:
Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld  4072
AUSTRALIA


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Revision History

11 December 2003: Added Mac mitigation/workaround paragraph.

12 December 2003: Corrected Mac information.

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