MS02-005: Patch Is Available for a New Variant of the "Frame Domain Verification" Vulnerability

A new variant of the "Frame Domain Verification" vulnerability that was originally discussed in the following Microsoft Security Bulletin has been discovered: This vulnerability could allow a malicious Web site operator to view files on the computer of visiting user, or to access cookies that belong to a user.

There a number of significant mitigating factors associated with this vulnerability:

• It could be used only to read files, not to create, change, delete, or run them.
• The attacker would need to know the name and location of the file on the user's computer.
• Even if it were successfully exploited, the attacker could only view files that can be opened in a browser window, such as HTML files, image files, or text files.
• The vulnerability requires Active Scripting to succeed. If the malicious site were in a security zone that does not allow Active Scripting, the vulnerability could not be exploited.

• Internet Explorer 6
• Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2
• Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 1

Internet Explorer 6

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Internet Explorer 6. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: The update for this problem is included in the "February 11, 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer." For additional information about how to obtain this patch, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that you determine are at risk of attack. Evaluate your computer's physical accessibility, network and Internet connectivity, and other factors to determine the degree of risk to your computer. See the associated Microsoft Security Bulletin (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms02-005.mspx) to help determine the degree of risk. This fix may receive additional testing. If your computer is sufficiently at risk, Microsoft recommends that you apply this fix now. Otherwise, wait for the next Internet Explorer 5.5 service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix by following the instructions later in this article or contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The update for this problem is included in the "February 11, 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer." For additional information about how to obtain this patch, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 1

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that you determine are at risk of attack. Evaluate your computer's physical accessibility, network and Internet connectivity, and other factors to determine the degree of risk to your computer. See the associated Microsoft Security Bulletin (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms02-005.asp) to help determine the degree of risk. This fix may receive additional testing. If your computer is sufficiently at risk, Microsoft recommends that you apply this fix now. Otherwise, wait for the next Internet Explorer 5.5 service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, download the fix by following the instructions later in this article or contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The update for this problem is included in the "February 11, 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer." For additional information about how to obtain this patch, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Internet Explorer 6

Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6. This problem was first corrected in Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1.

Internet Explorer 5.5

Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5.

For more information about this vulnerability, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For additional information about the "February 11, 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer", click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: