CVE-2004-0723 in Java Virtual Machine
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Java virtual machine (VM) 5.0.0.3810 allows remote attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions to read or write certain data between applets from different domains via the "GET/Key" and "PUT/Key/Value" commands, aka "cross-site Java."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0723 represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine version 5.0.0.3810 that fundamentally undermines the security model designed to isolate applets from different domains. This issue affects the core security architecture of Java applet execution environments and demonstrates a failure in the mandatory access controls that should prevent cross-domain data access. The vulnerability specifically targets the security boundaries between applets running in different security domains, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the fundamental isolation mechanisms that protect users from potentially harmful code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of specific command sequences within the Java VM's security framework. Attackers can leverage the GET/Key and PUT/Key/Value command interfaces to manipulate data access controls, effectively allowing one applet to read or write data that should be restricted to its own domain. This flaw operates at the kernel level of the Java security model, where the distinction between trusted and untrusted code becomes meaningless. The vulnerability manifests when the VM fails to properly validate the security context of commands issued through these specific interfaces, enabling unauthorized cross-domain operations that should be strictly prohibited by the security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data access violations, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform sophisticated cross-site attacks that can compromise entire user sessions. This vulnerability directly enables data theft, session hijacking, and the potential for privilege escalation within the Java execution environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security boundaries that separate different web domains, allowing malicious applets to access sensitive data from other domains without proper authorization. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through web pages that contain malicious Java applets, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications that rely on Java applet technology.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege checks in security-critical code paths. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where adversaries manipulate application-level security controls to gain unauthorized access to protected resources. Organizations using affected Microsoft Java VM implementations face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, as this vulnerability effectively nullifies the security model that protects against cross-domain attacks. The impact is particularly severe given that this vulnerability affects the core Java execution environment, making it a critical target for exploitation in various attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of security patches provided by Microsoft, as well as implementation of additional network-level controls to prevent execution of untrusted Java applets. Organizations should consider disabling Java applet execution entirely in web browsers where possible, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be implemented to detect anomalous command sequences that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security architecture review and the need for comprehensive testing of security controls in complex execution environments where multiple security domains interact. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the Java ecosystem that might present similar risks.