CVE-2002-1289 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Java implementation, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to read restricted process memory, cause a denial of service (crash), and possibly execute arbitrary code via the getNativeServices function, which creates an instance of the com.ms.awt.peer.INativeServices (INativeServices) class, whose methods do not verify the memory addresses that are passed as parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1289 represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft's Java Runtime Environment implementation that was integrated into Internet Explorer during the early 2000s. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the Java Virtual Machine's native service handling mechanisms, specifically within the getNativeServices function that governs the instantiation of the com.ms.awt.peer.INativeServices class. The flaw occurs at the intersection of Java applet execution and native system memory management, creating a dangerous attack surface that adversaries could exploit to compromise system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of memory addresses passed to native service methods within the Java implementation. When the getNativeServices function creates an instance of INativeServices, it fails to perform adequate parameter verification on the memory addresses that are passed as arguments to these native methods. This absence of validation creates a path for attackers to manipulate memory pointers and potentially access restricted process memory areas that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses where input is not properly validated before being processed by the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1289 extends beyond simple memory access violations to encompass multiple attack vectors that can result in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read restricted process memory, which may contain sensitive information such as authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data. The vulnerability also enables denial of service conditions that can crash the affected Internet Explorer process, disrupting user activities and potentially causing system instability. Most critically, the flaw provides a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to run malicious code with the privileges of the affected process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user executing the browser. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with mixed-mode execution environments where interpreted Java code interacts with native system components. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability where attacker-controlled data can be passed directly to native memory management functions without proper sanitization. Security researchers have documented that such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited across different privilege levels and can bypass many traditional security mechanisms. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability exists within a widely deployed component - Internet Explorer's integrated Java runtime environment - making it accessible to a broad range of potential attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1289 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying Microsoft's security patches that address the input validation issues within the Java runtime implementation. Organizations should also consider disabling Java applet execution within Internet Explorer where possible, as this eliminates the attack vector entirely. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though these measures are not foolproof given the nature of the vulnerability. From a defensive perspective, implementing proper memory protection mechanisms and using modern security frameworks that enforce strict input validation can prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review processes and the need for comprehensive testing of mixed-mode applications that combine managed and native code execution environments.