CVE-2013-1926 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The IcedTea-Web plugin before 1.2.3 and 1.3.x before 1.3.2 uses the same class loader for applets with the same codebase path but from different domains, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information or possibly alter other applets via a crafted applet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1926 represents a critical class loader isolation flaw within the IcedTea-Web plugin implementation. This issue affects versions prior to 1.2.3 and 1.3.2, creating a dangerous condition where applets sharing identical codebase paths but originating from different security domains are executed using the same class loader instance. The fundamental problem lies in the improper separation of execution contexts that should normally be maintained between applets from different origins, particularly when these applets are served from the same codebase location.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-254, which addresses weaknesses in the implementation of security checks, specifically focusing on inadequate access control mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to exploit a classic cross-domain information leakage scenario where malicious applets can potentially access or manipulate resources that should be isolated to other domains. The shared class loader mechanism creates an attack surface where one applet can gain unauthorized access to class definitions, memory spaces, or other sensitive artifacts that belong to applets from different security domains, effectively breaking the security boundaries that should exist between them.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks including remote code execution or privilege escalation. When applets from different domains share the same class loader, an attacker can craft malicious applets that leverage the loaded classes from other domains to perform unauthorized operations. This could allow for the modification of applet behavior, data manipulation, or even complete compromise of the application sandbox. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through a simple crafted applet that exploits the flawed class loading mechanism.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass security boundaries that should normally prevent one applet from accessing another's resources, effectively creating a path to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Java plugin. The attack chain typically involves deploying a malicious applet that can manipulate the shared class loader to access or modify other applets' memory spaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of IcedTea-Web should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing strict network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious applet behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.