CVE-2011-0025 in IcedTea
Summary
by MITRE
IcedTea 1.7 before 1.7.8, 1.8 before 1.8.5, and 1.9 before 1.9.5 does not properly verify signatures for JAR files that (1) are "partially signed" or (2) signed by multiple entities, which allows remote attackers to trick users into executing code that appears to come from a trusted source.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0025 represents a critical security flaw in the IcedTea Java runtime environment that affects multiple version ranges including IcedTea 1.7 before 1.7.8, 1.8 before 1.8.5, and 1.9 before 1.9.5. This issue fundamentally compromises the integrity verification mechanisms that Java applications rely upon for secure execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the signature verification process for jar files, which is a cornerstone of Java's security architecture designed to prevent unauthorized code execution and ensure that software originates from trusted sources. When a jar file is properly signed, the Java runtime environment validates the digital signatures to confirm authenticity and integrity before execution, but this validation process fails under specific conditions outlined in the vulnerability description.
The technical flaw manifests in two distinct scenarios that bypass signature verification mechanisms. First, when jar files are "partially signed," meaning that only some of the contained classes or resources have been signed while others remain unsigned, the verification process incorrectly accepts the entire package as valid. Second, when jar files are signed by multiple entities, the system fails to properly validate all signatures, allowing malicious code to slip through the cracks. This weakness directly violates the fundamental security principle of strong authentication and can be categorized under CWE-312, which deals with Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, though more specifically relates to signature validation failures. The vulnerability creates a trust boundary breach that allows attackers to exploit the trust relationship between the Java runtime and signed applications, essentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious code can masquerade as legitimate software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating a significant threat vector for remote attackers seeking to compromise systems running affected IcedTea versions. Attackers can craft malicious jar files that appear to come from trusted sources by leveraging the flawed signature verification process, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of Java's security model, making it difficult for end users to detect malicious activity. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of code through Java applets and applications, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code that bypasses traditional security controls. The flaw also relates to T1553.006, which deals with code signing, as it undermines the fundamental purpose of code signing mechanisms in establishing trust. Organizations running applications that depend on IcedTea for Java execution are particularly vulnerable to supply chain attacks where legitimate-looking software is used to deliver malicious payloads, making this vulnerability a significant concern for enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0025 require immediate patching of affected IcedTea installations to versions 1.7.8, 1.8.5, and 1.9.5 respectively, which contain the necessary signature verification fixes. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as disabling automatic execution of unsigned or partially signed jar files, implementing strict code signing policies, and monitoring for suspicious jar file activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of cryptographic implementations, particularly in security-critical components like code signing verification. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and the risks associated with relying on outdated or unpatched security components in enterprise environments.