CVE-2009-2670 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
The audio system in Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in JDK and JRE 6 before Update 15, and JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 20, does not prevent access to java.lang.System properties by (1) untrusted applets and (2) Java Web Start applications, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading these properties.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2670 represents a critical security flaw in the Sun Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment. This issue specifically targets the audio system component of Java, which was designed to provide multimedia capabilities but inadvertently exposed sensitive system information through improper access controls. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to JDK/JRE 6 Update 15 and JDK/JRE 5.0 Update 20, making it a widespread concern across numerous enterprise and consumer deployments. The flaw stems from insufficient sandboxing mechanisms that should have prevented untrusted code from accessing critical system properties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Java audio subsystem where untrusted applets and Java Web Start applications can bypass normal security boundaries to access java.lang.System properties. These properties contain sensitive information such as system configuration details, user environment variables, and potentially other system metadata that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning that exploitation requires specific conditions where the attacker has already gained the ability to execute untrusted code within the Java sandbox environment. This typically occurs through web-based attacks where malicious applets are loaded and executed in the browser context, or through Java Web Start applications that are launched by users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with information that could be used to facilitate further attacks or compromise the target system. The leaked system properties could reveal network configuration details, operating system information, user account names, and other metadata that would aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. This information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a fundamental breach in the security model of the Java runtime environment. Attackers could leverage this information to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system weaknesses, or tailor subsequent attacks to exploit other vulnerabilities that might be present on the compromised system. The vulnerability essentially undermines the core security principle of isolation between trusted and untrusted code execution environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2670 primarily involve updating to patched versions of the Java Runtime Environment where Sun implemented proper access controls for system properties. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of JDK/JRE 6 Update 15 or JDK/JRE 5.0 Update 20, which contain the necessary security patches. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level controls such as disabling Java applet execution in web browsers where possible, using Java security policies to restrict access to sensitive system properties, and monitoring for suspicious Java-related activities in network traffic. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper code signing practices for Java applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to techniques involving information gathering and privilege escalation, as attackers can use the leaked information to plan more effective attacks against the target system. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted Java applications that might exploit this vulnerability.