CVE-2005-0836 in J2SE
Summary
by MITRE
Argument injection vulnerability in Java Web Start for J2SE 1.4.2 up to 1.4.2_06 allows untrusted applications to gain privileges via the value parameter of a property tag in a JNLP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0836 represents a critical argument injection flaw within Java Web Start functionality for J2SE 1.4.2 versions up to 1.4.2_06. This security weakness specifically targets the processing of property tags within Java Network Launch Protocol files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to elevate privileges through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied data within the JNLP file parsing mechanism, allowing untrusted applications to manipulate the execution environment.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when Java Web Start processes JNLP files containing property tags with value parameters. The system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input provided in these parameters, enabling attackers to inject malicious arguments that can be executed with elevated privileges. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust model inherent in Java Web Start's execution environment, where applications are expected to be trusted by the runtime system. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the Java runtime, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be exploited to bypass security restrictions imposed by the Java sandbox model. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the launch mechanism of Java applications, which often run with elevated permissions when executing on user systems. This creates a vector for persistent threats that can establish backdoors or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0836 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest available releases that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict JNLP file validation policies and restrict the execution of unsigned or untrusted applications through Java Web Start. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of defense by preventing unauthorized applications from being launched. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands through manipulated JNLP files. System administrators should also consider disabling Java Web Start functionality entirely when it is not required for business operations, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with this vulnerability.