CVE-2013-2407 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier and 6 Update 45 and earlier, and OpenJDK 7, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and availability via unknown vectors related to Libraries. 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 "XML security and the class loader."
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2407 represents a significant security weakness within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue resides within the Libraries component of the JRE, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a foundational level of the Java execution environment. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified means that the exact technical details were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting, leaving security professionals to analyze the broader implications of potential attack vectors. The affected versions include Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier releases, as well as Java SE 6 Update 45 and earlier, alongside OpenJDK 7 implementations, indicating a wide attack surface across different Java versions. Security researchers have noted that Oracle has not provided specific details about the nature of the vulnerability, though external vendors have suggested connections to XML security mechanisms and class loader functionality.
The technical flaw within the Java Libraries component creates potential pathways for remote attackers to compromise system confidentiality and availability, though the precise method of exploitation remains unclear due to the unspecified nature of the vulnerability. This weakness likely stems from improper handling of library loading or processing within the Java runtime, potentially allowing malicious code to manipulate the class loading process or exploit XML parsing mechanisms. The vulnerability's relationship to class loader functionality aligns with common attack patterns targeting Java applications, where attackers can manipulate the execution context to gain unauthorized access or cause denial of service conditions. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical risk because Java libraries are fundamental to countless applications and systems, making exploitation potentially widespread across different environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2407 extends beyond simple confidentiality breaches to include significant availability risks that can affect entire systems or applications. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially cause system crashes, application instability, or even complete service outages depending on how the flaw manifests within specific implementations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed. Organizations running affected Java versions face substantial risk of data exposure, service disruption, and potential system compromise, especially in environments where Java applications handle sensitive information or provide critical services. The vulnerability's presence in both Oracle and OpenJDK implementations means that organizations using either distribution are equally at risk, requiring comprehensive assessment and remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2407 should prioritize immediate patching and updating of affected Java installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks or users, reducing potential attack vectors. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual class loading patterns or XML processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting Java applet execution can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's potential connection to XML security mechanisms suggests that organizations should also review and harden their XML processing configurations, ensuring that XML parsers are properly configured to prevent malicious input processing. Given the unspecified nature of the vulnerability, organizations should maintain close monitoring of security advisories and consider implementing additional security controls beyond standard patch management to protect against potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the application layer and privilege escalation techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security approaches that address both immediate patching requirements and long-term security posture improvements.