CVE-2012-0502 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 2 and earlier, 6 Update 30 and earlier, 5.0 Update 33 and earlier, and 1.4.2_35 and earlier allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality and availability, related to AWT.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0502 resides within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE versions prior to specific updates, encompassing Java 7 Update 2, Java 6 Update 30, Java 5.0 Update 33, and Java 1.4.2_35. This weakness specifically impacts the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) subsystem, which serves as the foundation for graphical user interface components in Java applications. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets, creating a significant security risk that extends beyond traditional sandbox boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the AWT implementation that govern how graphical components interact with the underlying operating system. When untrusted Java applications execute within the JRE environment, they can potentially bypass normal security restrictions and access sensitive system resources or manipulate system behavior. This represents a critical flaw in the Java security model, as it allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system components that should remain isolated from potentially malicious code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0502 extends beyond simple confidentiality breaches to encompass availability concerns, meaning that attackers could potentially disrupt system operations or cause denial of service conditions. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are frequently executed, such as corporate networks, educational institutions, or any system hosting web-based Java applications. The remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors can trigger this vulnerability through web browsers or Java Web Start applications without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses weaknesses in the security model, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege separation in Java's security architecture. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, as it allows untrusted code to potentially access system resources that should be restricted. Organizations utilizing affected Java versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date Java installations and implementing proper application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Java content.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, while also implementing network-level controls to restrict access to Java applet execution where possible. Security teams should consider deploying Java sandboxing solutions and regularly audit Java installations across their infrastructure to ensure compliance with security baselines. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of comprehensive patch management programs and the importance of understanding the attack surface presented by Java-based applications in enterprise environments.