CVE-2002-1290 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Java implementation, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to read and modify the contents of the Clipboard via an applet that accesses the (1) ClipBoardGetText and (2) ClipBoardSetText methods of the INativeServices class.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1290 represents a critical security flaw in the Microsoft Java Runtime Environment implementation within Internet Explorer. This vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between Java applets and the Windows clipboard functionality, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary clipboard operations. The issue stems from insufficient security boundaries within the Java Virtual Machine implementation, which fails to properly validate or restrict access to native system services from untrusted applet code. This flaw exists within the INativeServices class, which exposes clipboard manipulation methods directly to Java applets without adequate sandboxing or permission checks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted Java applets that leverage the ClipBoardGetText and ClipBoardSetText methods available in the INativeServices class. These methods provide direct access to the Windows clipboard functionality, allowing attackers to both read sensitive data that may be stored in the clipboard and inject malicious content into it. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level rather than being confined to the browser's security sandbox, effectively bypassing traditional web security boundaries. Attackers can construct malicious applets that silently read clipboard contents, potentially capturing passwords, encryption keys, or other sensitive information that users have copied to their clipboard. Additionally, the ability to set clipboard contents means that attackers can inject malicious data that will be automatically pasted when users perform routine clipboard operations, creating a sophisticated attack vector for data exfiltration and system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for enterprise environments where users frequently interact with clipboard operations. The attack surface is particularly broad since many users regularly copy and paste sensitive information including passwords, API keys, database credentials, and confidential documents. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web applications that serve the malicious Java applet to unsuspecting users. The attack requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-276, specifically related to improper permissions and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1550.001 for hijacking legitimate credentials and T1550.002 for exploiting weak security boundaries in application sandboxing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying Java runtime implementation flaws. Organizations should implement strict browser security policies that disable Java applet execution entirely, particularly in enterprise environments where the risk of exploitation is highest. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent access to known malicious domains that may serve the vulnerable applets. Security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of avoiding suspicious web content that may contain malicious Java applets. System administrators should monitor for unusual clipboard activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, though this detection method is not foolproof. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper sandboxing and access control mechanisms in runtime environments, emphasizing the need for robust security boundaries between different privilege levels within applications. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as clipboard monitoring solutions and endpoint protection systems that can detect and prevent malicious clipboard manipulation attempts.