CVE-2003-1301 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.x before 1.4.2_11 and 1.5.x before 1.5.0_06, and as used in multiple web browsers, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via deeply nested object arrays, which are not properly handled by the garbage collector and trigger invalid memory accesses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1301 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Sun Java Runtime Environment that affects versions prior to specific patches. This issue manifests in both JRE 1.x series before 1.4.2_11 and 1.5.x series before 1.5.0_06, with widespread impact across multiple web browsers that incorporate Java technology. The flaw occurs when applications process deeply nested object arrays that exceed normal memory handling capabilities, creating a condition where the garbage collector fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation sequences.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the Java Virtual Machine's garbage collection mechanism. When encountering deeply nested object arrays, the garbage collector attempts to traverse and process memory references that exceed its operational limits, resulting in invalid memory accesses that cause application crashes. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, though it specifically manifests as a memory corruption issue rather than traditional buffer overflow conditions. The flaw exploits the fundamental memory management processes that Java applications rely upon for automatic memory reclamation.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1301 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass broader security implications within web browser environments where Java applets are executed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform denial of service attacks against systems running affected Java versions, potentially disrupting legitimate user activities and creating opportunities for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects not only standalone Java applications but also web-based environments where Java applets are commonly executed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where browser-based access to Java content is prevalent. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to exploit the instability for further compromise attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected JRE versions to the specified secure releases, which contain corrected garbage collection algorithms and enhanced memory management routines. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular security updates and patch deployment across all systems running affected Java versions. Network administrators should consider implementing web content filtering measures to prevent execution of potentially malicious Java applets, while security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, emphasizing the importance of maintaining updated security controls to prevent exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling Java applet execution in web browsers where it is not essential for business operations, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability.