External risk intelligence

Microsoft Internet Explorer File Disclosure Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-0162

A vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer allows attackers to discover the existence of files. This could lead to information disclosure, increasing business risk for affected organizations. The potential for unauthorized access to file information requires attention.

3Halo Surface Signal

Information Disclosure

Microsoft Internet Explorer

91011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-0162

The vulnerability affects a web browser, which is inherently designed to interact with the public internet. While it requires a user to navigate to a malicious site or interact with crafted content, the attack surface is the web browser itself, making it plausibly reachable via standard internet usage patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a flaw that could allow attackers to determine the existence of files on a user's computer. This vulnerability arises from how Internet Explorer handles specific JavaScript code. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure, potentially aiding attackers in further compromising systems.

  • Vulnerable: Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Flaw: Improper JavaScript handling
  • Impact: Information disclosure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 are affected by this vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this by leveraging crafted JavaScript code, potentially leading to information disclosure. This could impact systems by allowing attackers to determine the existence of specific files on a user's machine. The business risk involves unauthorized access to sensitive file information.

  • Exposure condition: Internet Explorer is accessible online.
  • Attacker starting point: Attacker crafts malicious JavaScript.
  • Trigger and result: User visits a malicious site, revealing file existence.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer could allow remote attackers to disclose the existence of files on a user's system. Attackers could exploit this by directing users to a malicious website or through specially crafted content. The potential for information disclosure presents a risk to the organization.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Requires user interaction or specific conditions
  • Business risk or urgency: Medium

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer could allow attackers to discover the existence of files on a system. The impact is an information disclosure that could aid attackers in further system compromise. Affected organizations should take immediate action to manage this risk.

  • Identify exposed Internet Explorer assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Internet Explorer and its purpose?

Microsoft Internet Explorer was a widely used graphical web browser developed by Microsoft, enabling users to access the internet, view web pages, download files, and interact with online content.

How does CVE-2016-0162 lead to information disclosure?

CVE-2016-0162 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Internet Explorer. It exploits how the browser handles certain JavaScript code, potentially allowing remote attackers to determine if specific files exist on a user's computer.

What actions might trigger this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

This vulnerability can be triggered when a user visits a malicious website or interacts with specially crafted content that includes malicious JavaScript code. This interaction allows the attacker to probe for the existence of specific files.

What is the relevance of CVE-2016-0162 according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal classifies this CVE as 'Possible' because the vulnerability affects a web browser, an application inherently designed for internet interaction. While exploitation requires user interaction, the broad attack surface of a web browser makes it plausibly reachable through typical internet usage patterns.

What practical steps should be taken regarding this Internet Explorer vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Internet Explorer assets, reduce their online exposure or isolate affected systems, apply vendor-provided security updates, and validate that the fixes are implemented. Continuous monitoring for related malicious activity is also recommended.

References