CVE-2009-1097 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 12 and earlier allow remote attackers to access files or execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted PNG image that triggers an integer overflow during memory allocation for display on the splash screen, aka CR 6804996; and (2) a crafted GIF image from which unspecified values are used in calculation of offsets, leading to object-pointer corruption, aka CR 6804997.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1097 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Java SE Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment versions 6 Update 12 and earlier, exposing systems to remote code execution and unauthorized file access. This vulnerability stems from multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur during image processing within the Java runtime environment, specifically when handling PNG and GIF image formats. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit different aspects of Java's image handling mechanisms, creating a comprehensive threat surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise systems running vulnerable Java versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack scenarios that leverage different aspects of memory management and pointer arithmetic within Java's image processing libraries. The first vector involves a crafted PNG image that triggers an integer overflow during memory allocation for splash screen display, specifically targeting the memory allocation calculations that determine buffer sizes for image rendering. This integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate insufficient memory for the image data, leading to buffer overflows that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The second vector exploits a crafted GIF image where unspecified values are used in offset calculations, resulting in object-pointer corruption that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. These vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-121 for heap-based buffer overflow and CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read conditions, demonstrating the fundamental memory safety issues inherent in the Java image processing code.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1097 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities through remote code execution. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially gaining complete control over the Java runtime environment and underlying operating system. The remote nature of these attacks means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where Java applications are frequently deployed. Additionally, the ability to access files through these vulnerabilities creates opportunities for data exfiltration and system reconnaissance, while the arbitrary code execution capability allows for persistent backdoor installation and further attack escalation. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK tactics including T1059 for command and script interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as successful exploitation typically requires no elevated privileges beyond those normally available to Java applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1097 must focus on immediate patch deployment and comprehensive system hardening measures. Oracle released security updates for Java SE 6 Update 13 and later versions that address both buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and memory allocation checks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all systems running vulnerable Java versions, particularly those exposed to untrusted network traffic or web applications that process user-uploaded images. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit Java application exposure, disabling unnecessary image processing capabilities, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious image content. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict Java runtime execution to trusted applications only, reducing the attack surface for exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of image handling code in runtime environments, particularly when dealing with untrusted input from network sources.