Maxthon3 versions prior to 3.3 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.
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/maxthon3-xcs-trusted-zone-code-exec
https://www.fortiguard.com/encyclopedia/ips/34203
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/23225
http://blog.malerisch.net/2012/12/maxthon-cross-context-scripting-xcs-about-history-rce.html
Published: 2025-08-05
Updated: 2025-08-07
Base Score: 6.8
Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Severity: Medium
Base Score: 9.6
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity: Critical
Base Score: 8.7
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
Severity: High
EPSS: 0.00084