CVE-2002-1288 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Java implementation, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to determine the current directory of the Internet Explorer process via the getAbsolutePath() method in a File() call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1288 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within Microsoft's Java Runtime Environment implementation that was integrated into Internet Explorer. This security weakness specifically affects the way Java applets executed within the browser environment handle file system operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to extract sensitive directory information from the target system. The vulnerability stems from the insecure implementation of the getAbsolutePath() method when invoked through File() objects, which inadvertently exposes the working directory of the Internet Explorer process to remote attackers.
This flaw operates at the intersection of browser security boundaries and Java sandbox limitations, where the Java Runtime Environment's integration with Internet Explorer fails to properly isolate file system access operations. When a malicious Java applet attempts to create a File object and subsequently calls getAbsolutePath(), the implementation does not adequately restrict or sanitize the returned path information, allowing attackers to determine the current working directory of the browser process. This information disclosure can reveal critical system paths, potentially exposing the location of temporary files, configuration directories, or other sensitive locations within the file system hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it can serve as a foundational element for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed directory information to craft targeted attacks against specific file system locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further exploitation. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where Internet Explorer is used to execute untrusted Java content, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious web content. This type of information disclosure aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes weaknesses related to improper information exposure, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that would otherwise be difficult to accomplish through standard browser-based attacks. The ability to determine the current directory of the Internet Explorer process provides attackers with insight into the system's file structure and can aid in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. This weakness can be particularly dangerous when combined with other vulnerabilities, as it reduces the attack surface complexity for adversaries attempting to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability also demonstrates the challenges inherent in cross-platform security implementations where the integration of different security models creates unexpected attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Microsoft addressed this issue through security updates that modified the Java Runtime Environment implementation to properly restrict directory information disclosure. Organizations should ensure all systems have received the applicable patches and updates, particularly those running older versions of Internet Explorer with integrated Java support. Additionally, implementing browser security policies that restrict Java applet execution, disabling unnecessary Java functionality, and employing network segmentation can significantly reduce the risk exposure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper sandboxing mechanisms and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create substantial security risks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution and emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of integrated components.