CVE-2007-5237 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Java Web Start in Sun JDK and JRE 6 Update 2 and earlier does not properly enforce access restrictions for untrusted applications, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to read and modify local files via an untrusted application, aka "two vulnerabilities."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5237 affects Java Web Start functionality within Sun JDK and JRE versions 6 Update 2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental sandboxing mechanisms designed to protect local systems from untrusted code execution. This vulnerability stems from insufficient access restriction enforcement mechanisms that fail to properly isolate untrusted applications from the underlying operating system resources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized file system access.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the Java Web Start runtime environment's inadequate validation of application permissions and security contexts. When users launch applications through Java Web Start, the system should enforce strict security policies that prevent untrusted code from accessing local files, directories, or system resources. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious applications that can circumvent these protective measures, enabling them to read sensitive local files and modify system data. The vulnerability operates through user-assisted remote attack vectors, meaning that victims must first interact with a malicious Java Web Start application, typically through web browsing or email attachments, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5237 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass comprehensive data theft and system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access personal documents, system configuration files, and sensitive application data stored locally on compromised systems. The ability to both read and modify local files creates a complete attack surface that could enable persistent threats, data exfiltration operations, and system corruption. This vulnerability directly violates the core security principles of sandboxed execution environments and represents a significant failure in the security model implementation for Java-based applications.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials management and access control, specifically highlighting weaknesses in authentication and authorization mechanisms within software systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use the compromised Java Web Start functionality to establish more permanent access to target systems. The attack surface also intersects with defense evasion tactics, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass standard security controls that would normally prevent unauthorized file system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5237 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations to versions that contain proper access restriction enforcement mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict Java Web Start application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of untrusted applications from unverified sources. Network-level controls including firewall rules and web application firewalls can help prevent users from accessing malicious Java applications hosted on untrusted websites. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of executing untrusted Java applications and the importance of verifying application sources before launching Java Web Start applications. System administrators should also consider implementing mandatory access controls and monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.