CVE-2013-0427 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 through Update 11, 6 through Update 38, and 5.0 through Update 38, and OpenJDK 6 and 7, allows remote attackers to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to Libraries. NOTE: the previous information is from the February 2013 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from another vendor that this issue allows remote attackers to interrupt certain threads that should not be interrupted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0427 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue resides in the libraries section of the JRE, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Java applications across enterprise environments and web applications. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though security researchers have identified it as potentially related to thread interruption behaviors that should remain protected from external interference. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-248 category of "Uncaught Exception" and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java-based command execution, as it represents a potential entry point for attackers to manipulate application behavior through system-level thread management.
The technical flaw manifests in how the JRE handles certain thread interruption scenarios within its library implementations, potentially allowing remote attackers to manipulate thread execution flows that should remain protected from external interference. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to disrupt normal application execution patterns, potentially leading to data corruption, service disruption, or more severe consequences depending on the specific Java application being targeted. The vulnerability's impact on integrity suggests that attackers could potentially modify application state or data processing flows through manipulation of thread behavior, particularly targeting threads that should remain immune to external interruption. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Java versions indicates a fundamental issue within the thread management libraries rather than a specific implementation error in a single release.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running Java-based applications, particularly those deployed in web environments where Java applets or server-side applications might be exposed to untrusted network traffic. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications. The potential for thread interruption manipulation could lead to denial of service conditions, data integrity violations, or even privilege escalation in certain scenarios. Organizations that deploy Java applications in enterprise environments, web servers, or application containers would be particularly vulnerable to exploitation of this weakness. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations means that the attack surface is extensive across different Java distributions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0427 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations, with organizations implementing comprehensive vulnerability management processes to ensure all Java components are updated to secure versions. System administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for anomalous thread behavior in applications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that attackers might leverage it to disrupt critical application threads, making it essential for organizations to implement robust application monitoring and alerting systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Java security policies that restrict thread manipulation capabilities and establish secure coding practices that minimize the risk of exploitation through thread-related vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing Java applications, as thread behavior modifications can significantly impact application functionality.