CVE-2002-1292 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Java virtual machine (VM) build 5.0.3805 and earlier, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to extend the Standard Security Manager (SSM) class (com.ms.security.StandardSecurityManager) and bypass intended StandardSecurityManager restrictions by modifying the (1) deniedDefinitionPackages or (2) deniedAccessPackages settings, causing a denial of service by adding Java applets to the list of applets that are prevented from running.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1292 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine implementation that affected Internet Explorer users during the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically targets the Standard Security Manager (SSM) class within the Microsoft Java VM build 5.0.3805 and earlier versions, which were integrated into Internet Explorer's web browsing capabilities. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the security restrictions that normally prevent malicious Java applets from executing with elevated privileges, effectively undermining the sandboxing mechanisms that protect users from potentially harmful code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the ability of attackers to extend the StandardSecurityManager class and modify critical security parameters through manipulation of the deniedDefinitionPackages or deniedAccessPackages settings. These settings are designed to control which Java packages and classes can be accessed by applets running in the browser environment, serving as a fundamental barrier against privilege escalation attacks. When attackers can modify these parameters, they essentially gain the ability to add Java applets to lists of prohibited code, creating a paradoxical situation where legitimate security measures become ineffective. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's security architecture, specifically targeting the class loader and security policy enforcement mechanisms that are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the browser's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a significant denial of service condition that affects the overall usability and security of systems running affected Microsoft Java VM implementations. When attackers successfully manipulate the security manager settings, they can effectively disable the intended restrictions that prevent malicious applets from executing, leading to a complete breakdown of the security model. This creates an environment where attackers can bypass security controls and potentially execute arbitrary code within the Java sandbox, while simultaneously causing legitimate security measures to malfunction and prevent properly functioning applets from running. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects the fundamental security architecture that protects users from malicious Java content, essentially providing attackers with a pathway to circumvent multiple layers of security controls.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-254 and CWE-255 categories, representing weaknesses in security mechanisms that allow unauthorized access and privilege escalation. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java-based execution, where adversaries manipulate application security controls to bypass protection mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security model implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate access control enforcement in sandboxed environments. Organizations affected by this vulnerability needed immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates, while users required education about the risks of running untrusted Java content in their browsers. The incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining secure sandbox implementations in complex application environments where multiple security layers must work in coordination to provide comprehensive protection against various attack vectors.