CVE-2013-2445 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier, 6 Update 45 and earlier, and 5.0 Update 45 and earlier, and OpenJDK 7, allows remote attackers to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Hotspot. NOTE: the previous information is from the June 2013 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from another vendor that this issue allows remote attackers to bypass the Java sandbox via vectors related to "handling of memory allocation errors."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2445 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue affects multiple versions including Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier, Java SE 6 Update 45 and earlier, Java SE 5.0 Update 45 and earlier, as well as OpenJDK 7. The vulnerability resides within the Hotspot component of the JVM, which is responsible for just-in-time compilation and runtime execution of Java applications. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that it operates through complex interactions within the JVM's memory management and error handling mechanisms, potentially creating a pathway for exploitation that extends beyond typical sandbox boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Hotspot JVM handles memory allocation errors, creating a potential bypass of the Java sandbox security model that is fundamental to Java's security architecture. This allows remote attackers to potentially execute code outside of the restricted environment that Java normally provides. The vulnerability's classification as a sandbox bypass through memory allocation error handling aligns with CWE-248, which describes an unspecified error in the program that can cause an unexpected program state. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the core runtime components that are essential for Java application execution, meaning that exploitation could affect any Java application running on vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can result in complete system compromise and availability disruption. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to systems, execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, and bypass the security controls that Java applications normally rely upon. The vulnerability affects systems where Java applications are executed, including web servers, desktop applications, and enterprise environments that depend on Java runtime capabilities. The potential for remote code execution makes this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly deployed. Organizations running vulnerable Java versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and denial of service attacks that could impact business operations and regulatory compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2445 require immediate action to update affected systems to patched versions of Java SE and OpenJDK. Organizations should prioritize patching all systems running vulnerable Java versions, as the vulnerability affects multiple major releases and could be exploited through various attack vectors. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to Java applications where possible, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a sandbox bypass requires comprehensive security assessments of Java applications and systems, including review of Java security policies and permissions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting and mandatory access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that could enable complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter suggests that exploitation could involve command execution within compromised systems, making comprehensive monitoring and logging essential for detection and response activities.