CVE-2009-2671 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
The SOCKS proxy implementation in Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in JDK and JRE 6 before Update 15, and JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 20, allows remote attackers to discover the username of the account that invoked an untrusted (1) applet or (2) Java Web Start application via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2671 represents a significant security flaw in the Sun Java Runtime Environment's SOCKS proxy implementation that affects multiple versions of Java development kits and runtime environments. This issue specifically impacts JDK and JRE versions 6 before update 15 and 5.0 before update 20, creating a potential information disclosure risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to obtain sensitive user account information.
The technical flaw manifests within the SOCKS proxy handling mechanism of the Java runtime environment, where the implementation fails to properly sanitize or obscure authentication details during proxy connections. When untrusted applets or Java Web Start applications attempt to establish proxy connections, the system inadvertently reveals the username of the account that initiated the execution context. This occurs through unspecified vectors that likely involve the proxy authentication process or connection establishment sequence, where the underlying system information leaks through the network communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The leaked username information could enable attackers to conduct targeted social engineering campaigns, perform credential stuffing attacks against the revealed accounts, or use the information to build more sophisticated attack vectors. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability fits within the initial access phase of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the technique of "T1078 - Valid Accounts" where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials to gain access to systems. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a method to discover valid user accounts within the target environment, which can then be used to expand their access or conduct more targeted attacks. Organizations running affected Java versions face increased risk of unauthorized access attempts, particularly in environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are frequently used.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability primarily involves applying the appropriate security patches and updates from Oracle, specifically updating to JDK and JRE 6 Update 15 or later, and JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 20 or later. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to monitor and restrict SOCKS proxy usage, particularly in environments where untrusted code execution is possible. Additionally, organizations should review their Java deployment policies to minimize the exposure of vulnerable systems and consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of potentially malicious applets or Web Start applications that could exploit this vulnerability.