CVE-2013-0428 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, 5.0 through Update 38, and 1.4.2_40 and earlier, and OpenJDK 6 and 7, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Libraries, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0425 and CVE-2013-0426. NOTE: the previous information is from the February 2013 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from another vendor that this issue is related to "incorrect checks for proxy classes" in the Reflection API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0428 represents a significant security weakness within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of Java security flaws that can be exploited remotely by attackers without requiring authentication or local access. The issue specifically relates to the Libraries component within the Java Runtime Environment, indicating that the flaw exists within the core library implementations that form the foundation of Java applications. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same advisory cycle such as CVE-2013-0425 and CVE-2013-0426, this particular flaw demonstrates distinct characteristics that make it particularly concerning for enterprise environments relying on Java-based applications. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified means that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though it is confirmed to be related to the Reflection API functionality within Java.
The technical nature of this vulnerability appears to be rooted in improper validation or checking mechanisms within the Java Reflection API, particularly concerning proxy class handling. According to security researchers and vendor assessments, this flaw manifests through incorrect checks for proxy classes, which represents a critical weakness in how Java manages dynamic class generation and reflection operations. The Reflection API in Java provides powerful capabilities for runtime class manipulation and dynamic code execution, but these features create potential attack surfaces when not properly secured. The vulnerability's relationship to proxy class handling suggests that attackers could potentially manipulate the class loading mechanism to bypass security restrictions or execute unauthorized code within the Java Virtual Machine. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-264 permissions, privileges, and access control issues, as it likely involves improper access controls during class loading operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0428 extends across multiple attack vectors that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running affected Java versions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify application behavior, or cause system disruptions through denial-of-service conditions. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications and services that rely on Java runtime environments. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where Java applications often handle sensitive information and critical business processes. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations creates a broad attack surface, affecting organizations regardless of their choice of Java distribution. Security assessments indicate that exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, making it a critical concern for organizations maintaining Java-based infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0428 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations through official Oracle security updates or vendor-provided patches for OpenJDK implementations. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications where possible, particularly for systems running vulnerable versions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when running Java applications, ensuring that applications operate with minimal required permissions to reduce potential impact from successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual class loading patterns or reflection API usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable Java installations within the organization. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of unauthorized Java code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under the T1059 command and scripting interpreter technique, as exploitation typically involves the execution of malicious code through Java runtime environments. Additionally, the vulnerability's nature aligns with T1190 exploit public-facing application, as it affects Java applications accessible over networks. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applets and browser plugins that might expose vulnerable Java installations to external attack surfaces.