Vulnerabilities > CVE-2016-0002 - Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer vulnerability in Microsoft Jscript and Vbscript

047910
CVSS 7.5 - HIGH
Attack vector
NETWORK
Attack complexity
HIGH
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
HIGH
Integrity impact
HIGH
Availability impact
HIGH
network
high complexity
microsoft
CWE-119
nessus

Summary

The Microsoft (1) VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 and (2) JScript 5.7 and 5.8 engines, as used in Internet Explorer 8 through 11 and other products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability."

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Buffer Overflow via Environment Variables
    This attack pattern involves causing a buffer overflow through manipulation of environment variables. Once the attacker finds that they can modify an environment variable, they may try to overflow associated buffers. This attack leverages implicit trust often placed in environment variables.
  • Overflow Buffers
    Buffer Overflow attacks target improper or missing bounds checking on buffer operations, typically triggered by input injected by an attacker. As a consequence, an attacker is able to write past the boundaries of allocated buffer regions in memory, causing a program crash or potentially redirection of execution as per the attackers' choice.
  • Client-side Injection-induced Buffer Overflow
    This type of attack exploits a buffer overflow vulnerability in targeted client software through injection of malicious content from a custom-built hostile service.
  • Filter Failure through Buffer Overflow
    In this attack, the idea is to cause an active filter to fail by causing an oversized transaction. An attacker may try to feed overly long input strings to the program in an attempt to overwhelm the filter (by causing a buffer overflow) and hoping that the filter does not fail securely (i.e. the user input is let into the system unfiltered).
  • MIME Conversion
    An attacker exploits a weakness in the MIME conversion routine to cause a buffer overflow and gain control over the mail server machine. The MIME system is designed to allow various different information formats to be interpreted and sent via e-mail. Attack points exist when data are converted to MIME compatible format and back.

Msbulletin

bulletin_idMS16-001
bulletin_url
date2016-01-12T00:00:00
impactRemote Code Execution
knowledgebase_id3124903
knowledgebase_url
severityCritical
titleCumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer

Nessus

  • NASL familyWindows : Microsoft Bulletins
    NASL idSMB_NT_MS16-001.NASL
    descriptionThe version of Internet Explorer installed on the remote host is missing Cumulative Security Update 3124903. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities : - A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the VBScript engine due to improper handling of objects in memory. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a specially crafted website or open a Microsoft Office document containing an embedded ActiveX control, resulting in execution of arbitrary code in the context of the current user. (CVE-2016-0002) - An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists due to improper enforcement of cross-domain policies. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to access information from one domain and inject it into another domain, resulting in a bypass of the cross-origin policy and an elevation of privileges. (CVE-2016-0005)
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id87877
    published2016-01-12
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/87877
    titleMS16-001: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (3124903)
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(87877);
      script_version("1.11");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/22");
    
      script_cve_id("CVE-2016-0002", "CVE-2016-0005");
      script_bugtraq_id(79892, 79894);
      script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS16-001");
      script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3124275");
      script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3124266");
      script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3124263");
    
      script_name(english:"MS16-001: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (3124903)");
      script_summary(english:"Checks the version of mshtml.dll.");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
    "The remote host has a web browser installed that is affected by
    multiple vulnerabilities.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
    "The version of Internet Explorer installed on the remote host is
    missing Cumulative Security Update 3124903. It is, therefore, affected
    by multiple vulnerabilities :
    
      - A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the
        VBScript engine due to improper handling of objects in
        memory. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by
        convincing a user to visit a specially crafted website
        or open a Microsoft Office document containing an
        embedded ActiveX control, resulting in execution of
        arbitrary code in the context of the current user.
        (CVE-2016-0002)
    
      - An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists due to
        improper enforcement of cross-domain policies. An
        attacker can exploit this vulnerability to access
        information from one domain and inject it into another
        domain, resulting in a bypass of the cross-origin
        policy and an elevation of privileges. (CVE-2016-0005)");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/SecurityBulletins/2016/ms16-001");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
    "Microsoft has released a set of patches for Windows Vista, 2008, 7,
    2008 R2, 8, RT, 2012, 8.1, RT 8.1, 2012 R2, and 10.
    
    Note that Windows 10 with Citrix XenDesktop installed will not be
    offered the patch due to an issue with the XenDesktop software that
    prevents users from logging on when the patch is applied. To apply the
    patch you must first uninstall XenDesktop or contact Citrix for help
    with the issue.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:H/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:U/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:U/RL:O/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-0002");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"No known exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"false");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:microsoft:windows");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:microsoft:ie");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_family(english:"Windows : Microsoft Bulletins");
    
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
    
      script_dependencies("smb_hotfixes.nasl", "ms_bulletin_checks_possible.nasl");
      script_require_keys("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
      script_require_ports(139, 445, "Host/patch_management_checks");
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("smb_hotfixes_fcheck.inc");
    include("smb_hotfixes.inc");
    include("smb_func.inc");
    include("smb_reg_query.inc");
    include("misc_func.inc");
    
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
    
    bulletin = 'MS16-001';
    kbs = make_list('3124275', '3124266', '3124263');
    
    if (get_kb_item("Host/patch_management_checks")) hotfix_check_3rd_party(bulletin:bulletin, kbs:kbs, severity:SECURITY_HOLE);
    
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/Registry/Enumerated");
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/WindowsVersion", exit_code:1);
    
    if (hotfix_check_sp_range(vista:'2', win7:'1', win8:'0', win81:'0', win10:'0') <= 0) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);
    
    if (hotfix_check_server_core() == 1) audit(AUDIT_WIN_SERVER_CORE);
    
    share = hotfix_get_systemdrive(as_share:TRUE, exit_on_fail:TRUE);
    if (!is_accessible_share(share:share)) audit(AUDIT_SHARE_FAIL, share);
    
    if (
      # Windows 10
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"10", sp:0, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"11.0.10586.35", min_version:"11.0.10586.0", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124263") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"10", sp:0, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"11.0.10240.16644", min_version:"11.0.10240.16000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124266") ||
    
      # Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2
      # Internet Explorer 11
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.3", sp:0, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"11.0.9600.18161", min_version:"11.0.9600.17000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
    
      # Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012
      # Internet Explorer 10
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.2", sp:0, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"10.0.9200.21726", min_version:"10.0.9200.21000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.2", sp:0, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"10.0.9200.17606", min_version:"10.0.9200.16000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
    
      # Windows 7 / Server 2008 R2
      # Internet Explorer 11
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"11.0.9600.18163", min_version:"11.0.9600.17000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      # Internet Explorer 10
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"10.0.9200.21728", min_version:"10.0.9200.21000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"10.0.9200.17606", min_version:"10.0.9200.16000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      # Internet Explorer 9
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"9.0.8112.20852", min_version:"9.0.8112.20000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"9.0.8112.16737", min_version:"9.0.8112.16000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      # Internet Explorer 8
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"8.0.7601.23301", min_version:"8.0.7601.22000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"8.0.7601.19104", min_version:"8.0.7601.17000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
    
      # Vista / Windows Server 2008
      # Internet Explorer 7
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"7.0.6002.23878", min_version:"7.0.6002.23000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"7.0.6002.19567", min_version:"7.0.6002.18000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      # Internet Explorer 8
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"8.0.6001.23786", min_version:"8.0.6001.23000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"8.0.6001.19727", min_version:"8.0.6001.18000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      # Internet Explorer 9
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"9.0.8112.20852", min_version:"9.0.8112.20000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275") ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"mshtml.dll", version:"9.0.8112.16737", min_version:"9.0.8112.16000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3124275")
    )
    {
      set_kb_item(name:'SMB/Missing/'+bulletin, value:TRUE);
      hotfix_security_hole();
      hotfix_check_fversion_end();
      exit(0);
    }
    else
    {
      hotfix_check_fversion_end();
      audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, 'affected');
    } 
    
  • NASL familyWindows : Microsoft Bulletins
    NASL idSMB_NT_MS16-003.NASL
    descriptionThe remote Windows host is missing a security update. It is, therefore, affected by a remote code execution vulnerability in the VBScript engine due to improper handling of objects in memory. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a specially crafted website or open a Microsoft Office document containing an embedded ActiveX control, resulting in execution of arbitrary code in the context of the current user.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id87879
    published2016-01-12
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/87879
    titleMS16-003: Cumulative Security Update for JScript and VBScript to Address Remote Code Execution (3125540)
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(87879);
      script_version("1.11");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/22");
    
      script_cve_id("CVE-2016-0002");
      script_bugtraq_id(79894);
      script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS16-003");
      script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3124625");
      script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3124624");
    
      script_name(english:"MS16-003: Cumulative Security Update for JScript and VBScript to Address Remote Code Execution (3125540)");
      script_summary(english:"Checks the version of Vbscript.dll.");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
    "The remote Windows host is affected by a remote code execution
    vulnerability.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
    "The remote Windows host is missing a security update. It is,
    therefore, affected by a remote code execution vulnerability in the 
    VBScript engine due to improper handling of objects in memory. An
    attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit
    a specially crafted website or open a Microsoft Office document
    containing an embedded ActiveX control, resulting in execution of
    arbitrary code in the context of the current user.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/SecurityBulletins/2016/ms16-003");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
    "Microsoft has released a set of patches for Windows Vista, 2008, and
    Server Core 2008 R2. Alternatively, apply the workaround referenced in
    the vendor advisory.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:H/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:U/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:U/RL:O/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-0002");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"No known exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"false");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/01/12");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:microsoft:windows");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_family(english:"Windows : Microsoft Bulletins");
    
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
    
      script_dependencies("smb_hotfixes.nasl", "ms_bulletin_checks_possible.nasl");
      script_require_keys("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
      script_require_ports(139, 445, "Host/patch_management_checks");
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("smb_hotfixes_fcheck.inc");
    include("smb_hotfixes.inc");
    include("smb_func.inc");
    include("misc_func.inc");
    
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
    
    bulletin = 'MS16-003';
    kbs = make_list("3124625", "3124624");
    
    if (get_kb_item("Host/patch_management_checks")) hotfix_check_3rd_party(bulletin:bulletin, kbs:kbs, severity:SECURITY_HOLE);
    
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/Registry/Enumerated");
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/WindowsVersion", exit_code:1);
    
    if (hotfix_check_sp_range(vista:'2', win7:'1') <= 0) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);
    
    # if IE isn't installed we must still check the vbscript version
    ie_ver = get_kb_item("SMB/IE/Version");
    productname = get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/ProductName", exit_code:1);
    
    # The Server Core 2 check applies to IE 8 only
    if (!isnull(ie_ver) && (ver_compare(ver:ie_ver, fix:"9.0.0.0") >= 0))
    audit(AUDIT_INST_VER_NOT_VULN, "Internet Explorer", ie_ver);
    
    rootfile = hotfix_get_systemroot();
    if (!rootfile) exit(1, "Failed to get the system root.");
    
    share = hotfix_path2share(path:rootfile);
    if (!is_accessible_share(share:share)) audit(AUDIT_SHARE_FAIL, share);
    
    vuln = 0;
    
    # VBScript 5.8
    # only on Server Core 2008 R2
    kb = "3124625";
    if (
      hotfix_check_server_core() == 1 &&
      (
       # Windows Server 2008 R2
        hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"Vbscript.dll", version:"5.8.7601.23301", min_version:"5.8.7601.22000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:kb) ||
        hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.1", sp:1, file:"Vbscript.dll", version:"5.8.7601.19104", min_version:"5.8.7601.0",     dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:kb)
      )
    ) vuln++;
    
    # These checks only apply < 8.0 IE
    if (!isnull(ie_ver) && (ver_compare(ver:ie_ver, fix:"8.0.0.0") >= 0))
    audit(AUDIT_INST_VER_NOT_VULN, "Internet Explorer", ie_ver);
    
    # VBScript 5.7
    kb = "3124624";
    if (
      # Vista / Windows 2008
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"Vbscript.dll", version:"5.7.6002.23877", min_version:"5.7.6002.22000", dir:"\System32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:kb) ||
      hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"Vbscript.dll", version:"5.7.6002.19567", min_version:"5.7.6002.0", dir:"\System32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:kb)
    ) vuln++;
    
    
    if (vuln)
    {
      set_kb_item(name:"SMB/Missing/"+bulletin, value:TRUE);
      hotfix_security_hole();
      hotfix_check_fversion_end();
      exit(0);
    }
    else
    {
      hotfix_check_fversion_end();
      audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, 'affected');
    }