Description
Maxthon3 version 3.2.2 build 1000 and prior are vulnerable to cross context scripting (XCS) via the about:history page. The browser’s trusted zone improperly handles injected script content, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in a privileged context. This flaw enables modification of browser configuration and execution of arbitrary code through Maxthon’s exposed DOM APIs, including maxthon.program.Program.launch() and maxthon.io.writeDataURL(). Exploitation requires user interaction, typically by visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the injection.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxthon International | Maxthon3 Browser | 3.1.7 build 600 – ≤ 3.2.2 build 1000 | — |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Metasploit 1 module
-
Maxthon3 about:history XCS Trusted Zone Code Execution
exploit/windows/browser/maxthon_history_xcs
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
References
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/windows/browser/maxthon_history_xcs.rb exploit
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/23225 exploit
- http://blog.malerisch.net/2012/12/maxthon-cross-context-scripting-xcs-about-history-rce.html technical-description exploit
- https://www.maxthon.com/ product
- https://www.fortiguard.com/encyclopedia/ips/34203 third-party-advisory
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/maxthon3-xcs-trusted-zone-code-exec third-party-advisory