CVE-2008-3108 in Sun
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 10, SDK and JRE 1.4.x before 1.4.2_18, and SDK and JRE 1.3.x before 1.3.1_23 allows context-dependent attackers to gain privileges via unspecified vectors related to font processing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3108 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Sun Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Runtime Environment. This vulnerability specifically targets the font processing components of the Java runtime, creating a potential privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by context-dependent attackers. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking during font rendering operations, where maliciously crafted font data can cause memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The affected versions include JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 10, as well as SDK and JRE 1.4.x before 1.4.2_18 and 1.3.x before 1.3.1_23, indicating this vulnerability has persisted across multiple generations of the Java platform.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs during font processing operations within the Java runtime environment, where the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of font data before attempting to render it. When a malicious font file is processed, the insufficient input validation allows an attacker to overflow a fixed-size buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java application, which typically runs with the same privileges as the user executing the application. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to how the font data is processed and rendered within the Java environment, making it more challenging to exploit but still highly dangerous when conditions are met.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to bypass security controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Java versions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Java applications across enterprise environments, web applications, and desktop systems. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based attacks, email attachments, or malicious downloads. The privilege escalation capability means that even if an attacker initially gains access through a web browser or other vector, they could potentially elevate their privileges to system level access, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to target systems. This aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where buffer overflows represent common initial access points leading to more sophisticated compromise techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3108 primarily focus on immediate patching and version updates to eliminate the vulnerable buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of Java JDK and JRE, specifically targeting versions that include the security fixes released by Oracle following this vulnerability disclosure. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple Java versions and platforms. Additional mitigations include implementing Java security policies that restrict font processing capabilities, disabling unnecessary Java applets in web browsers, and employing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, aligning with CWE-121 buffer overflow conditions and demonstrating the necessity of proper memory management in security-critical applications. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for anomalous font processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insecure coding practices can create persistent security weaknesses in widely deployed software components.