CVE-2011-2513 in IcedTea6
Summary
by MITRE
The Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP) implementation in IcedTea6 1.9.x before 1.9.9 and before 1.8.9, and IcedTea-Web 1.1.x before 1.1.1 and before 1.0.4, allows remote attackers to obtain the username and full path of the home and cache directories by accessing properties of the ClassLoader.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-2513 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Java Network Launching Protocol implementation of IcedTea6 and IcedTea-Web software distributions. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to 1.9.9, 1.8.9, 1.1.1, and 1.0.4, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive system information through manipulation of ClassLoader properties. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and improper handling of system resource paths within the JNLP execution environment, which is designed to facilitate the launching of java applications over networks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ClassLoader mechanisms that are integral to java application deployment and execution. When applications utilize JNLP for network-based launching, the underlying implementation fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to system-level properties that reveal the username and complete directory paths of home and cache locations. This information disclosure happens because the system exposes internal class loading mechanisms that should remain protected from external access. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust model of java applets and network launching protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security boundaries are not properly enforced.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential downstream security risks that could enable more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge of user account names and file system locations, which can be leveraged in subsequent attacks such as privilege escalation attempts, directory traversal exploits, or targeted social engineering campaigns. The exposure of cache directory paths may reveal sensitive application data or temporary files that could contain confidential information. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information in software systems, and represents a classic example of information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that JNLP is commonly used in enterprise environments for deploying java applications across distributed networks. Attackers could use the disclosed information to craft more targeted attacks against specific user accounts or to map out system structures for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the IcedTea implementation and demonstrates poor separation of concerns within the software architecture. Organizations using affected versions of IcedTea6 or IcedTea-Web are at risk of having their system configurations and user information exposed to unauthorized parties. This weakness also corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under information gathering and credential access phases, where adversaries seek to understand system layouts and user environments before proceeding with more advanced exploitation activities.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to patched versions of IcedTea6 and IcedTea-Web software distributions. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions and access controls to limit exposure of JNLP services to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual access patterns to java application launching services and implementing proper input validation for all JNLP requests. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes, particularly for components that handle system-level resource access and user information management.