CVE-2013-0450 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 confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to JMX. 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 improper checks of "access control context" in the JMX RequiredModelMBean class.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0450 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This weakness resides in the JMX (Java Management Extensions) component, specifically within the RequiredModelMBean class where improper access control context validation occurs. The vulnerability's impact spans all three fundamental security principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments that rely heavily on Java-based applications and services. The issue was initially documented in the February 2013 Critical Patch Update from Oracle, though the company has not provided specific details regarding the exact nature of the access control flaw.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate validation of access control contexts within the JMX framework, allowing remote attackers to bypass security restrictions that should normally prevent unauthorized access to management operations. This vulnerability specifically affects the RequiredModelMBean class which is part of the JMX infrastructure responsible for managing model-driven MBeans. The improper checks of access control context enable malicious actors to perform unauthorized operations that should be restricted based on security policies. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code, manipulate system configurations, or gain elevated privileges within the Java environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0450 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can compromise entire Java-based applications and services that rely on JMX for management and monitoring functions. Organizations running affected Java versions may experience data breaches, system corruption, or complete service disruption depending on how the vulnerability is exploited. The widespread adoption of Java in enterprise environments means that this vulnerability could affect critical business applications, web services, and server infrastructure. Network administrators and security teams face significant challenges in identifying and mitigating this threat across their entire Java ecosystem, particularly when dealing with legacy systems that may not be easily updated or patched. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations creates additional complexity for organizations seeking comprehensive protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0450 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations with the latest security updates from Oracle and OpenJDK vendors. Organizations must implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of JMX-enabled services to trusted networks only. Security configurations should disable unnecessary JMX features and restrict remote access to management interfaces. System administrators should regularly audit JMX configurations and monitor for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Java-based command execution and CWE-284 for improper access control, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing security frameworks based on these standards. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include verification of JMX security configurations to ensure proper access control enforcement and prevent exploitation of this access control flaw.