CVE-2000-0162 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) component embedded within Internet Explorer versions 4.x, 5.x, and 6.0. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass the Java sandbox security model by exploiting a flaw in the VM implementation. Specifically, a malicious Java applet delivered via a web page can escape the sandbox restrictions and read arbitrary files on the victim's system. This file reading capability compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive local files to unauthorized remote parties. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring user authentication, but exploitation requires that the victim visits a malicious or compromised website hosting the malicious Java applet. The attack complexity is considered high due to the need for crafting a specific Java applet and the requirement for victim interaction (browsing to the malicious page). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to some extent, as unauthorized file reads can lead to further attacks or system compromise. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability with security patches released in February 2000 (MS00-011). Despite the age of this vulnerability, it remains a notable example of early Java sandbox escape issues in Internet Explorer's VM. Given the obsolescence of affected IE versions, modern systems are unlikely to be impacted unless legacy environments remain in use.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2000-0162 today is generally low due to the obsolescence of the affected Internet Explorer versions and the Microsoft VM technology. However, organizations that maintain legacy systems or specialized industrial, governmental, or financial environments running outdated software could be at risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, potentially exposing confidential business data, personal information, or cryptographic keys. This could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or data exfiltration. In sectors with strict data protection regulations like GDPR, any data breach resulting from exploitation could lead to significant compliance and reputational consequences. Additionally, organizations with legacy web applications or intranet portals that require older IE versions may face increased risk. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat levels, but the vulnerability remains a concern for legacy system security.

1. Immediate patching: Apply the official Microsoft security update MS00-011 to all affected systems to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Legacy system audit: Identify and inventory all systems running Internet Explorer versions 4.x, 5.x, or 6.0, especially those with the Microsoft VM enabled. 3. Upgrade browsers: Migrate users and systems to modern, supported browsers that do not rely on the Microsoft VM or outdated IE versions. 4. Disable Java applet support: Where legacy browser use is unavoidable, disable Java applet execution to prevent malicious applets from running. 5. Network controls: Implement web filtering and network security controls to block access to untrusted or malicious websites that could host exploit code. 6. User awareness: Educate users about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and running unverified Java content. 7. Legacy environment isolation: Segregate legacy systems from critical networks to limit potential impact if compromised. 8. Monitor logs: Enable and review security logs for unusual file access or Java applet activity indicative of exploitation attempts.