CVE-2004-2764 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Sun SDK and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.4.2 through 1.4.2_04, 1.4.1 through 1.4.1_07, and 1.4.0 through 1.4.0_04 allows untrusted applets and unprivileged servlets to gain privileges and read data from other applets via unspecified vectors related to classes in the XSLT processor, aka "XML sniffing."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2018
This vulnerability exists within the Sun Java Software Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment versions 1.4.0 through 1.4.0_04, 1.4.1 through 1.4.1_07, and 1.4.2 through 1.4.2_04, specifically affecting the XSLT processor component. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental sandboxing principles that protect users from malicious code execution. The vulnerability allows untrusted applets and unprivileged servlets to escalate their privileges and access data from other applets, creating a severe cross-applet data leakage scenario. This issue is categorized under CWE-264 due to improper privileges during privilege escalation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials to gain elevated privileges.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the XSLT processor's handling of XML data processing within the Java security model. When applets or servlets process XML content through the XSLT transformation engine, they can exploit specific vectors that bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform what is essentially an XML sniffing attack, where unprivileged code can access memory locations and data structures that should normally be restricted to privileged operations. This occurs because the XSLT processor fails to properly enforce the security boundaries that separate different applet contexts and prevent unauthorized data access between sandboxed environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to compromise the security model of the Java runtime environment. An attacker could craft malicious applets that, when executed in a browser context, could read sensitive data from other applets running in the same JVM instance. This creates a serious threat to web applications that rely on Java applets for functionality, as it undermines the isolation guarantees that should protect users from cross-site data leakage. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple applets from different sources or domains are running simultaneously within the same Java virtual machine, creating a potential attack surface for privilege escalation and information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest available releases that contain security fixes for the XSLT processor. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to prevent execution of untrusted applets and consider disabling Java applet execution entirely in browser environments where possible. Security administrators should monitor for any attempts to exploit this vulnerability through network traffic analysis and application logs, particularly focusing on unusual XML processing patterns or privilege escalation attempts. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves initial access through spearphishing and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised applet execution.
This vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of securing complex software frameworks like Java that must balance functionality with security. The XSLT processor's design flaw highlights the importance of thorough security testing for components that handle external data processing, particularly in sandboxed environments. The issue also emphasizes the need for proper privilege separation in application frameworks and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular assessment of Java runtime environments and monitoring for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous components like XML processors can become attack vectors when they fail to properly enforce security boundaries, making proper security architecture and continuous monitoring essential for maintaining secure Java environments.