CVE-2010-0538 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Apple Java for Mac OS X 10.5 before Update 7 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 before Update 2 do not properly handle mediaLibImage objects, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds memory access and application crash) via a crafted applet, related to the com.sun.medialib.mlib package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0538 represents a critical security flaw in Apple's Java implementation for Mac OS X systems. This issue specifically affects Java runtime environments in Mac OS X 10.5 prior to Update 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 prior to Update 2, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors. The flaw resides within the com.sun.medialib.mlib package, which handles media library image processing operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based applets that users might encounter during normal browsing activities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of MediaLibImage objects within the Java runtime environment. When a malicious applet attempts to process specially crafted media library objects, the system fails to properly validate memory boundaries during image processing operations. This leads to out-of-bounds memory access conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system or cause application crashes that result in denial of service. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which is a common vector for privilege escalation and code execution attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0538 extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution on vulnerable systems. Attackers can craft malicious Java applets that, when loaded by a victim's browser, trigger the flawed media library processing code. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through compromised websites or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core Java runtime components that are widely used across various applications and web services, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple systems simultaneously.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution through Java applets and T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are directed to malicious websites hosting the crafted applet, or through compromised web applications that embed the malicious code. Organizations running affected Java versions are particularly vulnerable as the exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised email attachment containing the malicious applet.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0538 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Apple Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 7 or Mac OS X 10.6 Update 2, which contain the necessary fixes to address the media library object handling issues. Network administrators should implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and consider disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers for users who do not require Java-based applications. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious Java-related processes and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of Java applets. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defense strategies to protect against zero-day exploits in widely used software components.