CVE-2007-5232 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in JDK and JRE 6 Update 2 and earlier, JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 12 and earlier, SDK and JRE 1.4.2_15 and earlier, and SDK and JRE 1.3.1_20 and earlier, when applet caching is enabled, allows remote attackers to violate the security model for an applet s outbound connections via a DNS rebinding attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5232 represents a critical security flaw in Sun Java Runtime Environment versions prior to specific update releases. This issue specifically affects Java Development Kits and Runtime Environments across multiple version lines including JDK/JRE 6 Update 2, JDK/JRE 5.0 Update 12, SDK/JRE 1.4.2_15, and SDK/JRE 1.3.1_20. The vulnerability manifests when applet caching is enabled, creating a significant security risk that undermines the fundamental security model of Java applets. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions through a sophisticated DNS rebinding technique that exploits the way Java handles network connections and domain name resolution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Java applets manage outbound network connections when caching is enabled. When an applet makes network requests, the Java security model typically enforces strict domain-based access controls to prevent unauthorized communication with external systems. However, the DNS rebinding attack exploits the timing and caching mechanisms of DNS resolution combined with Java's connection handling behavior. Attackers can manipulate DNS responses to redirect requests from one IP address to another during the connection process, effectively bypassing the security boundaries that normally prevent applets from communicating with arbitrary hosts. This technique exploits the fact that Java's security checks may be performed at different times during the connection lifecycle, creating windows of opportunity for attackers to establish unauthorized connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, representing a complete breakdown of the Java sandbox security model. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized network communications that would normally be blocked by the security manager, potentially enabling data exfiltration, command execution, or further exploitation of target systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applets are commonly used for business applications, as it could allow attackers to bypass network security controls and access internal systems that should remain isolated from external threats. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage containing the vulnerable applet, making it a significant concern for web-based attack scenarios.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling applet caching functionality in Java environments where possible, updating to patched versions of Java Runtime Environment, and implementing network-level controls to monitor and restrict outbound connections from Java applets. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and demonstrates the importance of proper network security boundary enforcement in sandboxed environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and lateral movement through application layer attacks. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules that restrict Java applet outbound communications, particularly in environments where the vulnerability cannot be immediately patched. The remediation strategy must also include comprehensive monitoring for suspicious network activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as the DNS rebinding technique can be difficult to detect through traditional security controls.