CVE-2009-2205 in Java 1.6
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Java Web Start command launcher in Java for Mac OS X 10.5 before Update 5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2205 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Java Web Start command launcher component of Apple's macOS 10.5 operating system. This flaw exists specifically in the Java runtime environment implementation for Mac OS X prior to Update 5, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability resides in the command launcher functionality that processes Java Web Start applications, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of Java-based web applications and the privileged execution context in which these launchers operate.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the Java Web Start command launcher fails to properly validate input parameters before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic programming error allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core Java Web Start functionality that enables users to launch Java applications directly from web browsers, creating multiple attack vectors including malicious web pages, compromised Java application downloads, or phishing attacks that trick users into executing crafted payloads. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, enabling arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the Java Web Start application, potentially leading to privilege escalation scenarios or complete system takeover depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects the broader Java ecosystem on macOS platforms and demonstrates the risks associated with insufficient input validation in system-level components. Organizations using macOS 10.5 systems without the Update 5 patch would be particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists in the default Java runtime environment that many users rely upon for legitimate business applications and web browsing activities.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where the attacker can manipulate the program execution flow through careful input manipulation. The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through command injection or memory corruption attacks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for macOS 10.5 systems, implementing the Java Update 5 patch that addresses this specific buffer overflow. Additional mitigations include network segmentation to limit Java Web Start usage, browser security restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious Java-related process execution patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches for platform-specific Java implementations and demonstrates the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both operating system and application-level security concerns.