CVE-2003-1156 in Java JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Software Development Kit (SDK) 1.4.2 through 1.4.2_02 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on (1) unpack.log, as created by the unpack program, or (2) .mailcap1 and .mime.types1, as created by the RPM program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1156 represents a significant security flaw in the Java Runtime Environment and Software Development Kit versions 1.4.2 through 1.4.2_02. This issue stems from inadequate handling of temporary files during the unpacking and RPM installation processes, creating exploitable conditions that allow local attackers to manipulate the system's file structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the insecure creation of temporary files in world-writable directories, which provides attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges and compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests through three distinct attack vectors that exploit weak file creation practices in Java's installation and unpacking mechanisms. The first vector involves the unpack program's creation of unpack.log files that are susceptible to symbolic link attacks, while the second and third vectors target the .mailcap1 and .mime.types1 files created by the RPM program. These temporary files are created with predictable names and are placed in directories that lack proper access controls, allowing attackers to establish symbolic links that redirect file operations to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of vulnerability is classified as a race condition attack pattern and maps to CWE-367, which specifically addresses time-of-check to time-of-use vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with potential paths for privilege escalation and system compromise. When local users can manipulate temporary files created by Java installation utilities, they can potentially overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable programs with malicious content. This creates a scenario where an attacker with minimal privileges can gain elevated system access through carefully crafted symbolic link attacks. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Java installations and poses significant risks in multi-user environments where local access is possible, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where Java applications are commonly deployed.
The implications of CVE-2003-1156 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through exploitation of insecure file permissions and manipulation of installation artifacts. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign installation processes can introduce security weaknesses that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential exposure to malicious actors who can leverage these temporary file creation flaws to compromise system integrity and potentially establish persistent access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper file permission handling and secure temporary file creation practices that should be implemented across all software installation processes. Remediation involves updating to patched versions of Java, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that installation processes do not create vulnerable temporary files in insecure locations. The security community has long recognized such vulnerabilities as critical in maintaining system integrity, particularly in environments where Java applications are frequently installed and updated, making this vulnerability a prime example of how installation-time security flaws can have lasting impacts on system security posture.