Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Windows Messaging API are susceptible to an information disclosure flaw. This weakness permits attackers to ascertain the presence of arbitrary files on affected systems. The potential impact includes unauthorized discovery of sensitive information on compromised systems.
- Vulnerable: Internet Explorer, Windows Messaging API
- Weakness: Improper handling of objects in memory
- Impact: Unauthorized file existence disclosure
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker can determine the existence of arbitrary files on a targeted system by hosting a specially crafted website. This vulnerability impacts organizations using affected versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer and specific Windows operating systems. Exploitation could reveal information about the system's configuration or installed software.
- Exposure condition: Malicious website accessible externally.
- Attacker starting point: Remote.
- Trigger and result: User visits site, attacker learns file existence.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files by leveraging a crafted website. The impact of this could result in attackers gaining information about the system's configuration or sensitive files, potentially aiding further attacks. Organizations should treat this as a medium-priority concern due to the need for user interaction and the potential for information disclosure.
- Attacker skill: Low.
- Access needed: User visits a malicious website.
- Business risk: Medium, information disclosure.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files on affected systems. Exploitation requires a user to visit a specially crafted website, potentially leading to information disclosure that could aid further attacks. The impact could include unauthorized access to sensitive data or system reconnaissance, posing a business risk through compromised confidentiality and potential system compromise.
- Identify all Internet Explorer and Windows systems.
- Restrict internet access for identified systems.
- Apply vendor patches, verify updates, and monitor activity.
