CVE-2013-1489 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 10 and Update 11, when running on Windows using Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome, allows remote attackers to bypass the "Very High" security level of the Java Control Panel and execute unsigned Java code without prompting the user via unknown vectors, aka "Issue 53" and the "Java Security Slider" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1489 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 10 and 11 that specifically affects Windows operating systems when running through web browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome. This issue fundamentally undermines the security model of the Java Runtime Environment by allowing remote attackers to circumvent the Java Control Panel's "Very High" security level, which is designed to prevent the execution of untrusted Java applets and code. The vulnerability operates through unknown attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in how the JRE handles security boundaries when integrated with modern web browsers on Windows platforms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of security checks within the Java Runtime Environment's integration with web browsers, particularly when the Java Control Panel is configured to enforce the highest security level. When users access web content through supported browsers, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute unsigned Java code without requiring user consent or prompting, effectively bypassing the security mechanisms that should prevent such execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of browser integration and Java security policies, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be executed without user awareness or explicit permission.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1489 is severe and far-reaching, as it allows for complete bypass of Java's security controls that are typically enforced at the application level. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without user interaction, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all major web browsers on Windows platforms, expanding the attack surface significantly. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 category for improper access control, specifically targeting the Java Security Slider mechanism that controls applet execution based on security levels. The attack vector represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote code execution.
Organizations and users affected by this vulnerability face significant risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently without user prompts, making detection extremely difficult. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest versions, disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, and implementing network-level controls to restrict Java-related traffic. Security professionals should consider the vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables the execution of malicious code through legitimate Java runtime environments. The vulnerability also aligns with T1211 for exploitation for privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent execution of unsigned code.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the challenges in maintaining secure integration between runtime environments and web browsers, particularly when complex security policies must be enforced across multiple platforms and applications. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper security boundary enforcement and the potential consequences when such boundaries are compromised. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect unauthorized Java code execution and ensure that all Java installations are kept current with security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of layered security approaches and the need for regular security assessments of runtime environments and browser integrations.