CVE-2008-3106 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in JDK and JRE 6 Update 6 and earlier and JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 15 and earlier allows remote attackers to access URLs via unknown vectors involving processing of XML data by an untrusted (1) application or (2) applet, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-3105.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3106 represents a critical security flaw within the Sun Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Runtime Environment. This vulnerability specifically targets the processing of XML data within Java applications and applets, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The issue manifests when Java applications or applets handle untrusted XML data, which can lead to unauthorized access to URLs and potentially sensitive information. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanisms enabling the exploitation were not fully detailed in the initial disclosure, though it was clearly distinct from the closely related CVE-2008-3105 vulnerability.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2008-3106 resides in the XML processing capabilities of the Java Runtime Environment, particularly when handling untrusted data sources. This vulnerability exploits the way Java applications and applets parse and process XML content, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the XML parsing process to gain unauthorized access to network resources. The vulnerability affects both application-level Java programs and applet implementations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple attack surfaces. The processing of XML data by untrusted sources creates a potential for information disclosure or unauthorized resource access, as the XML parser may be manipulated to access URLs that should normally be restricted. This weakness aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and represents a classic example of how XML external entity processing can be exploited in Java environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3106 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable attackers to access network resources that should remain protected. When Java applications or applets process untrusted XML data, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers to access URLs that are normally restricted or protected, potentially leading to data exfiltration or further exploitation of the target system. The vulnerability's presence in both JDK and JRE environments means that it affects not only developers working with Java applications but also end users who may encounter malicious applets in web browsers or other Java-enabled environments. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various vectors including web-based attacks, malicious applets, or applications that process XML data from untrusted sources. The impact is further amplified by the widespread use of Java in enterprise environments and web applications, where the vulnerability could be leveraged to access sensitive corporate or personal data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3106 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper XML processing controls within Java applications. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of JDK and JRE, specifically versions that address this vulnerability and are not affected by CVE-2008-3105. Security measures should include disabling XML external entity processing in Java applications, implementing proper input validation for all XML data sources, and restricting the ability of Java applets to access network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation through untrusted XML data processing suggests that defensive measures should include sandboxing mechanisms, network access controls, and proper XML parser configuration to prevent unauthorized URL access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and information gathering, particularly through the use of application-specific exploits and the manipulation of XML processing within Java environments. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual network access patterns and XML processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact could be detected through network traffic analysis and application logs.