CVE-2009-3867 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HsbParser.getSoundBank function in Sun Java SE in JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 22, JDK and JRE 6 before Update 17, SDK and JRE 1.3.x before 1.3.1_27, and SDK and JRE 1.4.x before 1.4.2_24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file: URL in an argument, aka Bug Id 6854303.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3867 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the HsbParser.getSoundBank function of Sun Java SE implementations. This security weakness affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment, specifically targeting JDK and JRE 5.0 before Update 22, JDK and JRE 6 before Update 17, SDK and JRE 1.3.x before 1.3.1_27, and SDK and JRE 1.4.x before 1.4.2_24. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing file: URLs within the sound bank parsing functionality, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the HsbParser.getSoundBank function where insufficient bounds checking permits a maliciously crafted file: URL to exceed the allocated stack buffer space. When an attacker provides a specially constructed URL containing excessive data, the parsing routine fails to validate the length of the input string before copying it into a fixed-size buffer, resulting in a classic stack overflow condition. This overflow corrupts adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function parameters, enabling attackers to overwrite critical execution flow information. The vulnerability specifically leverages the file: URL scheme which allows Java applications to access local files through network protocols, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where such URLs might be processed without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3867 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the privileges of the Java runtime environment. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applets, web services, and any application that processes sound bank files through the affected Java components. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability exists in widely deployed Java runtime environments, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems across different network segments. The potential for privilege escalation and persistent access makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly used for business-critical operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, a well-documented weakness category that encompasses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, representing the exploitation techniques that adversaries use to achieve code execution through vulnerable client applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be triggered through web-based interfaces, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. Mitigation strategies should include implementing network segmentation, disabling unnecessary Java applet execution, and deploying application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in Java applications, particularly those handling external data sources through file URI schemes.