CVE-2002-1295 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Java implementation, as used in Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly conduct other unauthorized activities via applet tags in HTML that bypass Java class restrictions (such as private constructors) by providing the class name in the code parameter, aka "Incomplete Java Object Instantiation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The CVE-2002-1295 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's Java Runtime Environment implementation within Internet Explorer that fundamentally undermines the security model of applet execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the incomplete object instantiation mechanism that occurs when Java applets are loaded through HTML code parameters rather than traditional class name references. The flaw arises from Microsoft's non-compliant implementation of the Java sandbox model, where the runtime environment fails to properly validate and enforce class access restrictions during the instantiation process. When an attacker crafts malicious HTML content with applet tags that include class names in the code parameter field, the system bypasses normal Java class restriction mechanisms, including access controls for private constructors and other protected elements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the applet tag's code attribute which should normally contain the fully qualified class name of the applet to be instantiated. In the affected Microsoft implementation, when the code parameter is used instead of the standard name parameter, the Java Virtual Machine fails to properly enforce the security boundaries that typically prevent access to restricted class members. This incomplete instantiation process creates a pathway for attackers to execute code that would normally be restricted by Java's security model, potentially allowing unauthorized access to local system resources and execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-242, which describes the weakness of using an inherently dangerous function, and specifically relates to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a software component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise entire user systems. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to crash Internet Explorer applications, but more critically, they can potentially execute malicious code that bypasses the Java security sandbox entirely. The vulnerability's potential for unauthorized activities includes access to local files, network connections, and system resources that should normally be restricted to applet execution. From an adversarial perspective, this represents a significant elevation of privilege vulnerability that aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Privilege Escalation and Defense Evasion. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer that incorporate Microsoft's Java Runtime Environment, creating a widespread attack surface across corporate and individual user environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1295 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect affected systems. Organizations should disable Java applet execution within Internet Explorer through browser security settings and disable the Java plugin entirely if not required for business operations. The most effective immediate remediation involves updating to Microsoft's security patches that correct the incomplete object instantiation behavior and properly enforce Java security restrictions. Additionally, network administrators should implement content filtering solutions that can detect and block HTML content containing suspicious applet tag configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security model implementation in sandboxed environments and highlights the necessity of strict adherence to Java security specifications. Regular security assessments should verify that Java applet execution is properly restricted and that all systems are updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.