CVE-2001-1480 in Java SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and SDK 1.2 through 1.3.0_04 allows untrusted applets to access the system clipboard.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1480 represents a critical security flaw in the Java Runtime Environment and Software Development Kit versions 1.2 through 1.3.0_04. This issue stems from insufficient sandboxing mechanisms that govern how untrusted applets interact with system resources. The vulnerability specifically allows malicious or compromised applets to access the system clipboard functionality without proper authorization, creating a potential vector for data exfiltration and user interface manipulation. The flaw exists within the security model of the Java platform, which was designed to isolate untrusted code from the underlying operating system while permitting legitimate applet functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the Java Security Manager's failure to properly restrict clipboard access permissions for untrusted applets. When an applet attempts to read or write clipboard contents, the security framework should enforce strict boundaries between the applet's execution environment and system resources. However, in affected versions, the clipboard access APIs were not adequately protected, allowing applets to retrieve sensitive information stored in the clipboard such as passwords, private keys, or other confidential data. This behavior violates the fundamental security principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the Java platform's sandbox implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential means for credential theft and system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious applets that automatically read clipboard contents when users copy sensitive information, enabling passive data harvesting without user awareness. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attacks where malicious code could manipulate clipboard contents to inject malicious payloads or create deceptive user experiences. This threat vector is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently copy and paste sensitive credentials or confidential data, as the attack can occur silently in the background without any visible indication of compromise.
Organizations and developers should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the Java platform, as the vulnerability was addressed through enhanced security restrictions in subsequent releases. System administrators should consider disabling Java applet execution in web browsers where possible, particularly in environments handling sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-254 weakness category, specifically addressing security features that do not properly restrict access to sensitive system resources. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1555.001 for credential access through clipboard monitoring, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. Additionally, the issue demonstrates the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities where sandbox restrictions fail to prevent unauthorized system interactions, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive security model validation in sandboxed environments.