Internet Explorer attack code published

Symantec expects reliable exploits in the 'near future'

  • Email to a friend
  • Print this article
  • Bookmark this page
  • RSS feed

By Robert McMillan
Published: 14:33 GMT, 23 November 09

A hacker has posted attack code that could be used to break into a PC running older versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser.

The code was posted Friday to the Bugtraq mailing list by an unidentified hacker. According to security vendor Symantec, the code does not always work properly, but it could be used to install unauthorized software on a victim's computer.

"Symantec has conducted further tests and confirmed that it affects Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7," the company wrote on its website Saturday. "We expect that a fully-functional reliable exploit will be available in the near future."

Hacker attacks on US military jump sharply in 2009 | IBM researcher hacks Twitter using SSL flaw | Microsoft Internet Explorer continues share slide

Security consultancy Vupen Security has also confirmed that the attack works, saying it worked on a Windows XP Service Pack 3 system running IE 6 or IE7. Neither company was able to confirm that the attack worked on Microsoft's latest browser, IE 8.

Symantec did not report that the attack is being used by cyber-criminals, but because Internet Explorer is so popular, this type of code is highly coveted by hackers. If the software does pop up in online attacks, it will put pressure on Microsoft to rush out an emergency patch, ahead of its regularly scheduled Dec. 8 security update. Microsoft could not be reached Saturday for a comment on the issue.

Together, IE 6 and IE 7 command close to 40 percent of the browser market.

The flaw lies in the way Internet Explorer retrieves certain Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) objects, used to create a standardized layout on Web pages. For the attack to work, the hacker would have to lure a victim to a Web page that contained maliciously encoded JavaScript, Symantec said. This technique has emerged as a favorite way for hackers to install their malicious software on computers in recent years.

"To minimize the chances of being affected by this issue, Internet Explorer users should ensure their antivirus definitions are up to date, disable JavaScript and only visit Web sites they trust until fixes are available from Microsoft," Symantec said.

Contact Us

For editorial queries:
Max Cooter max_cooter@techworld.com

For website issues:
Email webmaster@techworld.com

For commercial queries
Russell Kearney russell_kearney@idg.co.uk

For more contact details click here.

What are your views on this subject? Use the form below to post a comment on this article up to 500 characters.

Characters remaining: 500

Related Security news

Antivirus programs fail to stop new malware

One in three systems infected.

09 February 2010

Adobe sorry for 16-month-old Flash bug

Unpatched vulnerability 'slipped through the cracks'

HTML 5 leaves client storage open to web attacks

Security researcher says web apps could be vulnerable

Rugged Manifesto calls on developers for secure code

Security professionals call for better programming practices

Related Security reviews

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free review

Kaspersky Lab AntiVirus 2010 review

Avira AntiVir Premium review

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

Techworld White Papers

Challenges and opportunities of PCI

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard provides an enterprise structure for improving operational, security, and audit performance. The benefits of the PCI DSS go beyond audit costs and results.

Download Whitepaper

Database security: Preventing enterprise data leaks at the source

IDC discusses the growing internal threats to business information, the impact of government regulations on the protection of data, and how enterprises must adopt database security best practices...

Download Whitepaper

Six essential steps to successful IT centralisation

This report, based on the real experience of a recent centralisation project, is aimed at those involved in IT strategy within their organisation. It provides some practical insights for CIOs, CTOs, Heads of IT, IT Directors and those involved more closely with the service management function.

Download Whitepaper

Application Grid: The ideal platform for IT consolidation

Evaluating the opportunity for consolidation of middleware — Java application servers and related technologies.

Download Whitepaper

Techworld UK - Technology - Business

COLT White Paper

Are all VoIP services the same?

Questions to ask your service provider to ensure you get the VoIP service you need
With careful choice of partner, your business can have all the advantages of VoIP access - reduced costs, flexibility and simplicity - without the drawbacks.
This white paper is your guide to ensure you get right the VoIP service and details the pitfalls which businesses would do well to avoid.

Download white paper
COLT White Paper

IT Misuse Survey

Complete this survey and you could win a Nexus One

Techworld are running a short survey to discover how UK businesses are managing Internet and email misuse in the Enterprise.

Complete Survey

Webcast: IT Financial Management: Cost Optimisation for Efficiency and Agility.
On Demand Webcast
Join this webcast to learn about the techniques and technologies that can help you prove the value of IT to the business by understanding the true cost of today's IT services and those that will be necessary to deliver future success.

Register Today

Site Map

IDG Network

* *