CVE-2007-5019 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Sun Java Web Start ActiveX control in Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.6.0_X allows remote attackers to have an unknown impact via a long argument to the dnsResolve (isInstalled.dnsResolve) method.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5019 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Sun Java Web Start ActiveX control component of the Java Runtime Environment version 1.6.0_X series. This security weakness specifically manifests when the dnsResolve method within the isInstalled.dnsResolve functionality receives an excessively long argument parameter. The flaw resides in the improper handling of input validation within the ActiveX control implementation, creating an exploitable condition that could potentially allow remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of the JRE where the ActiveX control is installed and enabled within web browsers, particularly Internet Explorer environments that support ActiveX controls. This issue demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that can be exploited through malicious web content or crafted payloads delivered via remote attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the dnsResolve method of the Java Web Start ActiveX control. When an attacker supplies a malformed argument exceeding the allocated buffer size, the control fails to properly validate the input length before processing the data. This lack of input sanitization allows memory corruption to occur, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the ActiveX control's handling of DNS resolution requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applets and web start applications are frequently executed. The buffer overflow occurs at the application level within the JRE's ActiveX component implementation, bypassing typical operating system security mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5019 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable dnsResolve method with oversized arguments, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites or encounter malicious web content. Organizations running affected JRE versions face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within network perimeters, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5019 should prioritize immediate patching of affected JRE versions through Oracle's security updates and patches. System administrators should disable or remove the vulnerable Java Web Start ActiveX control from web browsers where it is not essential for business operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure by blocking access to known malicious domains that might exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized Java applications from executing on endpoints. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous DNS resolution patterns and unusual Java process behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling Java plugin support in web browsers entirely if the functionality is not required, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework related to exploitation of vulnerable components and privilege escalation through code injection methods.