CVE-2013-2400 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to Deployment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3744.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2400 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier versions of the Java Runtime Environment. This issue specifically affects the deployment component of Java, which handles the execution and management of Java applications in web environments. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that Oracle did not provide detailed technical information about the exact nature of the flaw during the initial disclosure, though it was confirmed to be distinct from CVE-2013-3744 which affected different aspects of Java security. The deployment subsystem in Java serves as the interface between the browser and Java applications, managing the download, installation, and execution of Java applets and applications within web browsers. This component is particularly critical because it bridges the gap between user interaction and potentially dangerous code execution, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise systems through web-based attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of deployment-related operations within the Java Runtime Environment, which could potentially allow remote attackers to manipulate the integrity of system operations. While the exact technical mechanism remains unspecified, such vulnerabilities typically involve issues related to input validation, memory management, or access control within the deployment subsystem. The fact that this vulnerability is separate from CVE-2013-3744 suggests it operates through different attack vectors or exploits different components within the Java security architecture. The deployment component's functionality includes managing security policies, handling code signing verification, and controlling the execution environment for Java applications, making it susceptible to attacks that could bypass security controls or manipulate execution flows. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of integrity violations where attackers can potentially modify or corrupt system data or processes without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2400 extends significantly beyond simple data corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to compromise entire systems through web-based exploitation. When attackers can manipulate the deployment process, they may be able to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, or modify the behavior of Java applications running in browser environments. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with web applications that may contain malicious Java applets. The vulnerability's presence in Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier versions creates widespread exposure across numerous systems that had not yet been updated, as Java applets were commonly used in enterprise applications, educational platforms, and business-critical systems. Organizations relying on Java-based web applications for their operations faced significant risk, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within network environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2013-2400 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patch management and system hardening. Organizations should prioritize updating to Java SE 7 Update 25 or later versions where Oracle has addressed this vulnerability through security patches. The deployment component of Java should be configured with strict security policies, including disabling automatic execution of Java applets in web browsers and implementing proper code signing verification processes. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious Java-related network traffic. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and data handling, and it may also relate to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution through Java applets. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Java, as well as establish procedures for rapid patch deployment across enterprise environments to minimize exposure windows. The broader implications of such vulnerabilities underscore the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against exploitation of Java-based attack vectors.