CVE-2007-2435 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java Web Start in JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 10 and earlier, and Java Web Start in SDK and JRE 1.4.2_13 and earlier, allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized actions via an application that grants privileges to itself, related to "Incorrect Use of System Classes" and probably related to support for JNLP files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
This vulnerability exists in Sun Java Web Start implementations across multiple java versions including JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 10 and earlier, as well as SDK and JRE 1.4.2_13 and earlier. The flaw stems from improper handling of system classes during application execution, creating a privilege escalation vector that allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized actions. The vulnerability specifically manifests when applications attempt to grant themselves privileges through malformed JNLP file processing, exploiting weaknesses in the class loading mechanism that should normally prevent such unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the incorrect use of system classes within the Java Web Start framework, where applications can manipulate the security context to bypass normal access controls. When processing JNLP files, the affected versions fail to properly validate or restrict access to privileged system classes, allowing malicious code to gain elevated permissions that should be restricted to trusted system components. This misconfiguration creates a path for attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively undermining the security model of the Java runtime environment. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Issues and relates to improper privilege management within the Java security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire systems. Attackers can craft malicious JNLP files that, when executed through vulnerable Java Web Start implementations, allow them to perform unauthorized actions including arbitrary code execution, data theft, and system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where Java Web Start is enabled and users can be tricked into executing malicious applications through social engineering or compromised websites. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly deployed and where users may inadvertently execute malicious code through web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security updates from Oracle, which address the improper class usage and privilege escalation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict Java Web Start security policies that disable automatic execution of unsigned applications and restrict JNLP file processing to trusted sources only. Network-level protections including firewall rules to block unauthorized Java Web Start connections and web application firewalls to filter malicious JNLP content should be deployed. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to prevent social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability, while security monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious Java Web Start activity patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques and code execution tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies that address both application-level and network-level security controls.