CVE-2007-1419 in Java Management Extensions Remote API
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Management Extensions Remote API Remote Method Invocation over Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (JMX RMI-IIOP) API in Java Dynamic Management Kit 5.1 before 20070309 does not properly enforce the java.policy, which allows local users to obtain certain MBeans data access by operating a server application accessed by a privileged remote authenticated user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1419 affects the Java Management Extensions Remote Method Invocation over Internet Inter-ORB Protocol implementation within the Java Dynamic Management Kit version 5.1 released prior to March 9, 2007. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the JMX RMI-IIOP API that undermines the fundamental security model of Java's policy enforcement mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization controls that should prevent unauthorized access to management beans within the Java runtime environment.
The technical flaw stems from improper enforcement of the java.policy file, which serves as the primary security policy mechanism in Java applications. When a privileged remote authenticated user establishes a connection to a server application through the JMX RMI-IIOP interface, local users on the same system can exploit this weakness to gain access to certain MBeans data. This occurs because the security policy enforcement is bypassed, allowing local processes to access management information that should remain restricted to authorized remote users. The flaw essentially creates a privilege escalation path where local users can leverage the established remote connection to obtain sensitive management data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local attackers to extract potentially sensitive management information from Java applications running with JMX RMI-IIOP enabled. This could include system configuration details, performance metrics, and other management data that might reveal system internals, application state, or security configurations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages an existing authenticated session to provide unauthorized local access, making detection more challenging. Attackers could potentially use this information to plan further attacks or gain insights into system vulnerabilities that could be exploited in subsequent phases.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to the broader category of privilege escalation flaws in distributed computing environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access capabilities, as it allows local users to obtain information that should be restricted to authorized remote users. The issue also reflects poor security boundary enforcement in distributed systems where local and remote access controls should remain distinct. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version of Java Dynamic Management Kit, reviewing and hardening java.policy files, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to JMX endpoints. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access patterns and ensuring proper privilege separation between local and remote management interfaces should be prioritized.