CVE-2002-1257 in Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) up to and including build 5.0.3805 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by including a Java applet that invokes COM (Component Object Model) objects in a web site or an HTML mail.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1257 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Virtual Machine version 5.0.3805 and earlier, which was designed to execute Java applets within web browsers. This vulnerability stems from the dangerous interaction between the VM's Java execution environment and the Windows Component Object Model architecture, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw specifically manifests when a malicious Java applet embedded in a website or HTML email attempts to invoke COM objects, which are typically restricted to local system operations. This represents a fundamental security boundary violation where the VM fails to properly sandbox Java applets, allowing them to access system-level resources that should remain isolated from web-based content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Microsoft Virtual Machine's security model, which was intended to provide a secure execution environment for Java applets. When a user visits a malicious website or opens an infected HTML email, the embedded Java applet can leverage the VM's inability to properly restrict COM object access to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the user running the browser. This flaw directly maps to CWE-749, which describes "Expose of Functionality to Unintended Actors" and represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic sandbox escape mechanism where the security boundaries between different execution environments are compromised, allowing malicious code to bypass the intended security restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including system compromise, data theft, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive information, or establish command and control channels without requiring local system access. The attack vector through HTML email makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns that require minimal user interaction beyond opening an email. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though in this case the execution occurs through the Java Virtual Machine rather than PowerShell directly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1257 require immediate action including the installation of Microsoft security patches that address the VM's COM object access restrictions. Organizations should disable Java applets in web browsers and email clients where possible, as this effectively eliminates the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by restricting access to sensitive systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper application sandboxing and privilege separation, principles that are emphasized in security frameworks such as the CWE classification system and MITRE ATT&CK matrix. Regular security assessments should include verification that Java applets are properly restricted and that system-level COM objects are not accessible through web-based execution environments. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening suspicious emails and visiting untrusted websites remains crucial in defending against exploitation attempts that rely on social engineering components.