More reading of local files in MSIE Description There is a security vulnerability in IE 5.5 and 6 (probably other versions as well) which allows reading and sending of local files. The problem lies in the fact that you are able to access a local file's dom by calling the execScript function on a newly created window The sample exploit provided can only read browser readable files however it is highly likely that reading binary files is possible as well (By attaching an event to the dom that calls the httpxmlcomponent, witch itself at the point of writing is still vulnerable as well) In order for this exploit to work the file name must be known. Risk High Systems affected: The vulnerability has been successfully exploited on IE 6 / Windows XP with all patches installed IE 5.5 / Windows ME Most likely other operating system / internet explorer versions are vulnerable as well I have not tested it though Vendor status: I send Microsoft a cc of my bugtraq post Example: A working example is available at http://www.xs4all.nl/~jkuperus/bug2.htm Workaround: Disable active scripting -- Insert some random nasty remarks about Microsoft at the dotted line
