CVE-2007-3655 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in javaws.exe in Sun Java Web Start in JRE 5.0 Update 11 and earlier, and 6.0 Update 1 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long codebase attribute in a JNLP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3655 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the Java Web Start component of Sun Java Runtime Environment. This issue affects JRE versions 5.0 Update 11 and earlier, as well as 6.0 Update 1 and earlier releases, specifically within the javaws.exe executable responsible for launching java web start applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing the codebase attribute within JNLP files, which are used to define java web start application parameters and deployment settings.
The technical flaw manifests when a maliciously crafted JNLP file contains an excessively long codebase attribute value that exceeds the allocated stack buffer space. This buffer overflow condition occurs because the javaws.exe application fails to properly validate the length of the codebase parameter before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. When the buffer receives more data than it can accommodate, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing an attacker to overwrite critical execution pointers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the weakness category of buffer overflows that occur in stack memory regions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it can be initiated through remote delivery of malicious JNLP files, making it a significant threat in web-based exploitation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the user running the Java Web Start application. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious JNLP files through web browsers or email attachments, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it leverages client-side application flaws to achieve remote code execution. The affected javaws.exe process typically runs with user-level privileges, but successful exploitation could potentially lead to privilege escalation depending on the target system configuration and user permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3655 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to patched versions of the Java Runtime Environment, specifically JRE 5.0 Update 12 or later, and JRE 6.0 Update 2 or later, where the buffer overflow vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that block access to potentially malicious JNLP file downloads and disable Java Web Start functionality where possible. Additionally, users should be educated about the dangers of downloading and executing JNLP files from untrusted sources, and administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of javaws.exe and related java components. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous JNLP file access patterns and attempts to load malformed codebase attributes. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly important to maintain up-to-date security patches and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to prevent exploitation attempts.