CVE-2004-2540 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
readObject in (1) Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and (2) Software Development Kit (SDK) 1.4.0 through 1.4.2_05 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (JVM unresponsive) via crafted serialized data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2540 represents a critical security flaw in the Java Runtime Environment and Software Development Kit versions 1.4.0 through 1.4.2_05. This issue resides within the readObject method implementation, which is part of Java's serialization framework designed to convert objects into a byte stream for transmission or storage. The vulnerability specifically affects the deserialization process that occurs when Java applications attempt to reconstruct objects from serialized data received from external sources. When maliciously crafted serialized data is processed by the vulnerable JRE or SDK components, it triggers an abnormal execution state that causes the Java Virtual Machine to become unresponsive or hang indefinitely, effectively creating a denial of service condition that renders the affected application or system unusable.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the readObject method implementation. When the Java serialization mechanism encounters malformed or specially crafted serialized data, the deserialization process fails to properly handle the unexpected input patterns, leading to infinite loops, stack overflows, or other resource exhaustion conditions within the JVM. This flaw operates at the core level of Java's object serialization system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any application that accepts serialized data from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-400, which addresses improper handling of resource exhaustion conditions, and specifically relates to CWE-502, which covers deserialization of untrusted data. The attack vector leverages the fundamental Java serialization mechanism that is commonly used in distributed applications, web services, and network communications where objects need to be transmitted between different Java environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2540 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire Java-based systems and applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by sending malicious serialized data to any Java application that processes such input, including web applications, enterprise systems, and network services that utilize Java's serialization features. The denial of service condition created by this vulnerability can persist for extended periods, causing significant operational disruption to businesses that rely on Java applications. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where Java applications handle user input or data from external sources without proper validation, creating a substantial risk for web applications, enterprise software, and distributed systems. The attack can be executed with minimal technical expertise, making it a preferred method for attackers seeking to disrupt services, as documented in various ATT&CK framework techniques related to service disruption and resource exhaustion attacks under the T1499 category.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2540 require immediate action to address the vulnerable Java versions and implement proper input validation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Java versions 1.4.2_06 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and error handling in the serialization framework. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation for all serialized data received by Java applications, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or users. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by restricting access to Java applications that process serialized data. Security measures should include monitoring for unusual JVM behavior or resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices, including avoiding the use of ObjectInputStream for untrusted data and implementing proper exception handling for deserialization operations, provides additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for patterns associated with exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability.