CVE-2008-5357 in SDKJDK
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Sun JDK and JRE 6 Update 10 and earlier; JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 16 and earlier; SDK and JRE 1.4.2_18 and earlier; and SDK and JRE 1.3.1_23 and earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted TrueType font file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5357 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the JDK and JRE across different major releases. This vulnerability specifically resides in the TrueType font parsing functionality of the Java graphics subsystem, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted font files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and overflow handling when processing font dimensions and memory allocation calculations, allowing attackers to manipulate integer values beyond their intended bounds. The vulnerability impacts all versions of Java prior to the specified updates, including the widely deployed Java 1.3.1 through Java 6, making it particularly dangerous due to its broad exposure surface across enterprise and consumer systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs during the processing of TrueType font files, specifically when the Java runtime attempts to allocate memory for font rendering operations. When a crafted font file contains maliciously constructed integer values, the overflow condition causes the memory allocation logic to compute incorrect buffer sizes, leading to memory corruption in the heap. This memory corruption can then be exploited by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, as it involves both integer arithmetic manipulation and subsequent buffer overflow conditions in heap memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged in various threat scenarios. Attackers can deliver malicious TrueType font files through web browsers, email attachments, or other vector that triggers Java's font processing capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited in the context of web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening an attachment. This makes it highly attractive to threat actors and aligns with ATT&CK tactics including T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation chain involves leveraging the Java runtime environment to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation typically results in complete system compromise when successful, as the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5357 require immediate patching of affected Java versions, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes or workarounds. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest available versions of Java that contain fixes for this vulnerability, including Java 6 Update 11 and later versions, Java 5.0 Update 17 and later, and Java 1.4.2_19 and later. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict access to known malicious font file types and consider disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper integer overflow protection mechanisms in software development and emphasizes the need for comprehensive input validation, particularly in graphics and multimedia processing libraries. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual font processing activities and memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly benign file processing can become a critical security risk.