ie5-chm.txt

`Georgi Guninski security advisory #8, 2000  
  
IE 5.x allows executing arbitrary programs using .chm files  
  
Disclaimer:  
The opinions expressed in this advisory and program are my own and not  
of any company.  
The usual standard disclaimer applies, especially the fact that Georgi  
Guninski is not liable for any damages caused by direct or indirect use  
of the information or functionality provided by this program.  
Georgi Guninski, bears NO responsibility for content or misuse of this  
program or any derivatives thereof.  
  
Description:  
There is a vulnerability in IE 5.x for Win95/WinNT (probably others)  
which allows executing arbitrary programs using .chm files. Microsoft  
Networking must be installed.  
  
Details:  
The problem is the window.showHelp() method which opens .chm files. IE  
disallows opening .chm files with the http protocol, but allows opening  
if the .chm file resides on MS networking server or a local drive.  
In this case the .chm file is opened even if it is on a remote host. In  
turn .chm files may execute arbitrary programs using the "shortcut"  
command.  
  
Demonstration which starts Wordpad: http://www.nat.bg/~joro/chm3.html  
  
Workaround: Disable Active Scripting.  
  
Copyright Georgi Guninski  
  
Regards,  
Georgi Guninski  
http://www.nat.bg/~joro  
  
  
`