CVE-2007-5236 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Java Web Start in Sun JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 12 and earlier, and SDK and JRE 1.4.2_15 and earlier, on Windows does not properly enforce access restrictions for untrusted applications, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to read local files via an untrusted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5236 represents a critical access control flaw within Java Web Start functionality in legacy versions of Sun JDK and JRE. This issue affects specific versions including Java 5.0 Update 12 and earlier, as well as Java 1.4.2_15 and earlier across Windows platforms. The flaw stems from insufficient enforcement of security restrictions when executing untrusted applications through the Java Web Start mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Java Web Start component's security framework where it fails to properly validate and restrict access permissions for applications downloaded from untrusted sources. When users launch applications through Java Web Start, the system should enforce strict sandboxing measures that prevent unauthorized access to local system resources. However, in affected versions, this protection mechanism is bypassed, allowing untrusted applications to potentially access local files that they should not be permitted to read. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that forms the cornerstone of secure application execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive information from local systems. An attacker could craft a malicious Java Web Start application that, when executed by an unsuspecting user, would be able to read local files that contain confidential data such as configuration files, user credentials, or system information. The user-assisted nature of this attack means that social engineering would be required to convince a victim to execute the malicious application, but once executed, the vulnerability allows for unauthorized data exfiltration. This type of attack aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation through application execution.
From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability directly violates several security standards and best practices including those outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control. The flaw represents a significant security gap in the Java runtime environment's security model, particularly concerning the handling of untrusted code execution. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential data breaches and unauthorized system access, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where sensitive data is commonly stored on local systems. The vulnerability's presence in widely used Java versions means that it could affect numerous applications and systems across different industries, from financial services to healthcare, where data protection is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions that contain the security fixes. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected systems and implementing proper access controls to limit the damage potential. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized Java Web Start applications from being executed, including firewall rules and application whitelisting measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and the critical need for organizations to regularly audit their Java installations to ensure they are not running vulnerable versions that could expose their systems to exploitation.