Georgi Guninski security advisory #3, 2000 Yet another Hotmail security hole - injecting JavaScript in IE using "@import url(javascript:...)" 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: Hotmail allows executing JavaScript code in email messages using "@import url(javascript:...)", which may compromise user's Hotmail mailbox when viewed with Internet Explorer. Details: There is a security flaw in Hotmail which allows injecting and executing JavaScript code in an email message using the javascript protocol. This exploit works on Internet Explorer. Hotmail filters the "javascript:" protocol for security reasons. But the following JavaScript is executed: "@import url(javascript:...)". Executing JavaScript when the user opens Hotmail email message allows for example displaying a fake login screen where the user enters his password which is then stolen. I don't want to make a scary demonstration, but it is also possible to read user's messages, to send messages from user's name and doing other mischief. It is also possible to get the cookie from Hotmail, which is dangerous. Hotmail deliberately escapes all JavaScript (it can escape) to prevent such attacks, but obviously there are holes. Workaround: Disable Active Scripting The code that must be included in HTML email message is: -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- Regards, Georgi Guninski http://www.nat.bg/~joro