CVE-2008-5353 in SDKJDK
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Sun JDK and JRE 6 Update 10 and earlier; JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 16 and earlier; and SDK and JRE 1.4.2_18 and earlier does not properly enforce context of ZoneInfo objects during deserialization, which allows remote attackers to run untrusted applets and applications in a privileged context, as demonstrated by "deserializing Calendar objects".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5353 represents a critical security flaw in the Java Runtime Environment that stems from improper handling of ZoneInfo object deserialization. This issue affects multiple versions of Sun's Java Development Kit and Runtime Environment including JDK and JRE 6 Update 10 and earlier versions, JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 16 and earlier versions, and SDK and JRE 1.4.2_18 and earlier versions. The flaw resides in the deserialization process where the JRE fails to properly enforce the security context of ZoneInfo objects, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure deserialization of Calendar objects that contain ZoneInfo data structures. During the deserialization process, the Java runtime environment does not adequately validate or enforce the security boundaries of these ZoneInfo objects, allowing untrusted code to potentially execute with elevated privileges. This occurs because the deserialization mechanism fails to properly check the context and origin of ZoneInfo objects, enabling attackers to craft malicious serialized data that can bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability specifically leverages the fact that ZoneInfo objects can contain code that gets executed during deserialization, creating a remote code execution vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the security context of the Java runtime environment. When an applet or application containing maliciously crafted serialized Calendar objects is loaded, the deserialization process can lead to privilege escalation, enabling attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted. This vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous nature of insecure deserialization patterns where objects can contain executable code that runs automatically during the deserialization process. The attack surface is particularly broad as it affects multiple Java versions and can be exploited through web applets, which are commonly used in enterprise environments where Java applets are still deployed.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" and aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 category for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution." Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of compromise, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable Java versions. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within networks where Java applications are deployed. This vulnerability specifically targets the Java sandbox mechanism, undermining the fundamental security model that separates trusted and untrusted code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security updates from Oracle, which address the deserialization flaw in ZoneInfo handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to vulnerable Java applets, particularly in environments where legacy Java applications are still deployed. Additional protective measures include disabling Java applets in web browsers, implementing proper code signing verification, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. The recommended remediation approach involves comprehensive patch management across all systems running affected Java versions, combined with security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted Java applications that could potentially exploit this vulnerability.