CVE-2012-3422 in IcedTea-Web
Summary
by MITRE
The getFirstInTableInstance function in the IcedTea-Web plugin before 1.2.1 returns an uninitialized pointer when the instance_to_id_map hash is empty, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, which causes an uninitialized memory location to be read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-3422 affects the IcedTea-Web plugin version 1.2.1 and earlier, representing a critical memory safety issue within the plugin's handling of Java applet instances. This flaw exists in the getFirstInTableInstance function which manages the instance_to_id_map hash table structure. When this hash table is empty, the function fails to properly initialize its return value, resulting in an uninitialized pointer being returned to the calling code. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices where the plugin does not validate the state of the hash table before attempting to access its contents, creating a scenario where uninitialized memory segments are accessed during normal operation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious web page that triggers the specific code path where the empty hash table condition is encountered. The uninitialized pointer returned by getFirstInTableInstance causes the application to read from an unpredictable memory location, leading to either a crash due to invalid memory access or potentially more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of uninitialized memory access, which is classified as CWE-457 and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management where variables are used without proper initialization. The issue demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and lacks proper bounds checking or validation mechanisms that should be implemented when dealing with hash table operations and memory allocation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users of web browsers that utilize the IcedTea-Web plugin for Java applet execution. The attack surface is broad as it can be triggered through any web page that causes the specific code path to be executed, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious websites. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, while the denial of service component can be used for persistent disruption of services. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web-based payloads and T1499.004 for disruption through application or system compromise. Organizations using IcedTea-Web plugins are particularly vulnerable since this represents a client-side attack vector that can bypass traditional network security controls.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2012-3422 include immediate deployment of the patched IcedTea-Web plugin version 1.2.1 or later, which properly initializes the return value when the hash table is empty. System administrators should also consider implementing browser security policies that restrict Java applet execution or disable the plugin entirely for users who do not require Java-based web applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to trigger this vulnerability, though the most effective defense remains patch management and software updates. Additionally, organizations should conduct security assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of IcedTea-Web and implement monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and defensive coding techniques that prevent uninitialized memory access patterns, which should be incorporated into standard security development lifecycle processes.