CVE-2013-1571 in Javadoc
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Javadoc component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier, 6 Update 45 and earlier, and 5.0 Update 45 and earlier; JavaFX 2.2.21 and earlier; and OpenJDK 7 allows remote attackers to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to Javadoc. NOTE: the previous information is from the June 2013 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from another vendor that this issue is related to frame injection in HTML that is generated by Javadoc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1571 resides within the Javadoc component of Oracle Java SE and JavaFX implementations, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple versions across different Java releases. This issue manifests in Java SE versions 7 Update 21 and earlier, 6 Update 45 and earlier, and 5.0 Update 45 and earlier, alongside JavaFX 2.2.21 and earlier versions, while also impacting OpenJDK 7 installations. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical details were not fully disclosed in the initial advisory, though subsequent analysis has suggested connections to HTML frame injection mechanisms within generated documentation.
The technical flaw within the Javadoc component stems from improper handling of HTML generation processes that occur during documentation creation. When Javadoc processes source code to generate HTML documentation, it creates an environment where malicious input can be injected into the generated HTML output through frame-related elements. This vulnerability operates at the level of documentation generation rather than core Java execution, yet it presents substantial risks due to the widespread use of Javadoc in development environments and the potential for malicious actors to exploit this weakness in web-based documentation systems. The vulnerability's nature aligns with CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses injection flaws in web content generation, and potentially CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code, when considering the broader implications of code injection in documentation tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1571 extends beyond simple documentation integrity concerns, as it represents a potential vector for more serious security breaches in development environments where Javadoc is regularly used. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious frames or scripts into generated documentation, potentially leading to cross-site scripting attacks when developers or users view the affected documentation in web browsers. The implications are particularly concerning in enterprise environments where extensive Java documentation is generated and shared across teams, as this could enable attackers to compromise developer workstations or internal documentation servers. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle's proprietary Java implementations and OpenJDK creates a widespread attack surface that affects numerous organizations and development teams.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate version updates and patches provided by Oracle and OpenJDK maintainers, as the most effective solution involves upgrading to patched versions of affected Java components. Organizations should prioritize updating their Java installations to versions that contain fixes for the Javadoc frame injection vulnerability, while also implementing additional security measures such as restricting access to generated documentation and monitoring for suspicious HTML content in documentation systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1212: Exploitation for Credential Access, as the injection of malicious content could potentially lead to credential theft through phishing or other social engineering techniques when developers interact with compromised documentation. Network segmentation and access controls around documentation generation systems provide additional defensive layers, while regular security assessments of documentation processes help identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that patched versions remain properly deployed across all affected systems.