CVE-2007-2788 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the embedded ICC profile image parser in Sun Java Development Kit (JDK) before 1.5.0_11-b03 and 1.6.x before 1.6.0_01-b06, and Sun Java Runtime Environment in JDK and JRE 6, JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 10 and earlier, SDK and JRE 1.4.2_14 and earlier, and SDK and JRE 1.3.1_20 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (JVM crash) via a crafted JPEG or BMP file that triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2788 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the embedded ICC profile image parser of Sun Java Development Kit and Runtime Environment across multiple versions. This vulnerability resides in the way Java applications process image files containing embedded ICC color profiles, specifically when handling JPEG and BMP file formats. The flaw occurs during the parsing of color profile data where integer arithmetic operations fail to properly validate input values, leading to predictable overflow conditions that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the image processing pipeline of the Java runtime environment. When a JPEG or BMP file containing a specially crafted ICC profile is processed, the parser attempts to allocate memory buffers based on malformed integer values derived from the profile data. This integer overflow results in insufficient buffer allocation, creating a condition where subsequent memory operations can overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow condition, specifically manifesting as an integer overflow in the context of memory allocation operations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate the memory layout of the Java Virtual Machine through carefully constructed image files that exploit the arithmetic overflow during buffer size calculations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code within the context of the Java runtime environment, potentially compromising the entire system where the vulnerable Java application is running. The JVM crash that occurs during normal exploitation scenarios can also be weaponized for denial of service attacks against web applications, desktop applications, or any system that processes user-supplied image files through Java-based components. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Java versions including JDK 1.3.1, 1.4.2, 5.0, and 6.0, making it particularly widespread across enterprise environments where legacy Java applications may still be operational.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2788 require immediate patching of affected Java installations to versions that include proper integer overflow protections in the image parsing routines. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that filter or reject image files containing embedded ICC profiles, particularly when processing untrusted content from external sources. Network-based defenses can include content inspection systems that identify and block suspicious image file patterns that may contain malicious ICC profile data. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls that restrict which applications can process image files, thereby limiting the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) highlights the importance of defending against client-side exploitation vectors through comprehensive endpoint protection measures and regular security assessments. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any custom applications or web services that may be indirectly affected by this vulnerability through their reliance on vulnerable Java libraries or runtime components.