CVE-2005-0471 in Java JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java JRE 1.1.x through 1.4.x writes temporary files with long filenames that become predictable on a file system that uses 8.3 style short names, which allows remote attackers to write arbitrary files to known locations and facilitates the exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications that rely on unpredictable file names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0471 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Java Runtime Environment versions 1.1.x through 1.4.x that stems from improper temporary file handling mechanisms. This issue specifically manifests when the java runtime environment operates on file systems that enforce 8.3 filename conventions, which are legacy filesystem standards that truncate long filenames to eight characters followed by a three-character extension. The vulnerability arises because the java runtime environment generates temporary filenames using predictable patterns that can be easily reverse-engineered, particularly when the filesystem enforces short filename limitations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a predictable filename generation mechanism that allows remote attackers to anticipate the exact temporary file paths that the java runtime will create. When the java environment generates temporary files under these conditions, the long filenames are truncated and converted into 8.3 format, creating a deterministic pattern that attackers can reproduce. This predictability enables attackers to create symbolic links or manipulate the filesystem to ensure that their malicious files are written to predetermined locations rather than the intended temporary directories. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-377 - Insecure Temporary Files and CWE-379 - Creation of Temporary File With Insecure Permissions, both of which are recognized weakness patterns in the CWE database that specifically address improper temporary file handling security concerns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this flaw to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into applications that rely on temporary files, or manipulate the execution flow of java applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal file system security controls and write files to locations where they would not normally have write permissions. This type of attack is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1074 - Data Staged, where attackers can establish persistence and maintain control over compromised systems through manipulated temporary files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected java runtime environments to versions that properly handle temporary file generation without creating predictable filenames, particularly in 8.3 compatible filesystem environments. Organizations should implement strict temporary file directory permissions and ensure that applications do not run with elevated privileges when creating temporary files. System administrators should also consider implementing filesystem-level controls to prevent predictable filename creation and monitor for suspicious temporary file activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in runtime environments and highlights the need for proper temporary file management that considers all possible filesystem constraints and security implications. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy systems that may be running outdated java runtime environments.