CVE-2011-4695 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, when Java is installed, allows local users to bypass Internet Explorer sandbox restrictions and gain privileges via unknown vectors, as demonstrated by the White Phosphorus wp_ie_sandbox_escape module for Immunity CANVAS. NOTE: as of 20111207, this disclosure has no actionable information. However, because the module author is a reliable researcher, the issue is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 that specifically affects systems with Java runtime environments installed. The issue manifests as an unspecified weakness that enables local attackers to circumvent the security boundaries imposed by Internet Explorer's sandbox mechanism, potentially allowing privilege escalation from standard user accounts to elevated system privileges. The vulnerability was demonstrated through the White Phosphorus wp_ie_sandbox_escape module, which was part of the Immunity CANVAS exploit development framework, indicating a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the interaction between Windows security components and Java runtime execution environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the complex interaction between Internet Explorer's sandboxing mechanisms and the Java Virtual Machine's security model within the Windows operating system. When Java is installed alongside Internet Explorer, the security boundaries between these components can be exploited to bypass the isolation that should normally prevent malicious code from accessing system resources or escalating privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation attacks and represents a failure in the security boundary enforcement mechanisms that are fundamental to modern operating system design. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-276, which covers improper privilege management, and may also relate to CWE-264, concerning permissions, privileges, and access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with a means to bypass one of the primary security defenses in modern web browsers. The ability to escape Internet Explorer's sandbox represents a critical weakness in the defense-in-depth strategy that Microsoft implements to protect users from web-based attacks. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive system information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The fact that this vulnerability was demonstrated through a publicly available exploit module indicates that it was not merely theoretical but had practical attack implications for systems running Windows 7 with Java installed.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize keeping systems updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft, as this vulnerability was likely addressed through Windows updates. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles by restricting Java runtime execution in browser contexts can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary Java applets and browser plugins, implementing application whitelisting policies, and maintaining regular security assessments of system configurations. The vulnerability's nature also suggests that network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and sandbox evasion, specifically targeting the T1068 and T1190 tactics that attackers use to gain elevated system access and circumvent security controls.