CVE-2009-1105 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Plug-in in Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 12, 11, and 10 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a trusted applet to run in an older JRE version, which can be used to exploit vulnerabilities in that older version, aka CR 6706490.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1105 represents a critical security flaw in the Java Plug-in component of Oracle's Java SE Development Kit and Runtime Environment versions 6 Update 12, 11, and 10. This issue stems from improper handling of applet execution contexts when Java applets are launched through the browser plugin interface, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the execution flow to target older, vulnerable Java runtime versions. The vulnerability operates under the principle of version downgrade attacks, where a trusted applet intended for execution in a newer Java environment is instead executed in a less secure older version, effectively bypassing security measures implemented in newer releases.
The technical flaw manifests in the Java Plug-in's inability to properly enforce version compatibility checks when executing applets within web browser environments. When a user visits a webpage containing a Java applet, the browser plugin attempts to determine the appropriate Java runtime environment for execution. However, due to insufficient validation mechanisms, attackers can craft malicious web content that forces the execution context to downgrade to an older Java version, typically one containing known vulnerabilities. This process involves exploiting the way the plugin resolves and initializes Java runtime environments, particularly when multiple Java versions are installed on the same system. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java Plug-in's trust model and execution environment selection process, creating a pathway for attackers to leverage known weaknesses in older Java versions while appearing to execute legitimate applets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within enterprise and organizational environments where Java applets are commonly used for web-based applications and security tools. Attackers can exploit this weakness to target systems running older Java versions that may contain unpatched vulnerabilities, potentially leading to complete system compromise through techniques such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages user-assisted remote attack vectors, meaning that a user must visit a malicious webpage, but the attack can be executed without requiring any additional user interaction beyond the initial visit. This characteristic makes it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios, where users are unknowingly directed to compromised websites that exploit the version downgrade mechanism to access older vulnerable Java installations.
The vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation through software exploitation and the use of deprecated software components. It maps to techniques involving the exploitation of legacy software versions and the manipulation of execution contexts to bypass modern security controls. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-200, Information Exposure, and CWE-248, Uncaught Exception, as it exposes systems to older vulnerable versions and fails to properly handle the execution environment selection process. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, ensuring all Java installations are updated to the latest versions, and implementing network-level controls to prevent access to potentially malicious web content. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of Java installations across their infrastructure to identify and remediate any systems running vulnerable versions of the Java Runtime Environment, particularly focusing on the specific affected update versions mentioned in the CVE description.