CVE-2013-2454 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 confidentiality and integrity via vectors related to JDBC. NOTE: the previous information is from the June 2013 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from another vendor that this issue does not properly restrict access to certain class packages in the SerialJavaObject class, which allows remote attackers to bypass the Java sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2454 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This vulnerability resides in the JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) component and specifically targets the SerialJavaObject class which handles serialization operations. The issue stems from improper access controls that fail to adequately restrict access to certain class packages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass the Java sandbox security mechanisms that are fundamental to Java's security architecture. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple Java 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, making it particularly widespread in enterprise environments that utilize these runtime components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and relates to insufficient sandbox restrictions within Java's serialization framework. When the SerialJavaObject class processes serialized data, it fails to properly validate or restrict access to internal class packages that should remain protected from external manipulation. This weakness allows remote attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that can exploit the class's internal methods and access restricted packages, effectively breaking down the security boundaries that the Java sandbox normally enforces. The flaw operates at the core of Java's security model where the sandbox is designed to prevent unauthorized access to system resources, but this vulnerability creates an escape route that undermines these protections. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python) and T1548.002 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Bypass User Account Control) in that it enables privilege escalation through sandbox bypass mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2454 is severe and potentially devastating for organizations relying on Java applications, particularly those with web-facing services or database connectivity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Java runtime environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The confidentiality and integrity aspects of the vulnerability are particularly concerning as it allows attackers to access sensitive data and modify system behavior without proper authorization. This vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where Java applications interact with databases through JDBC connections, as it could enable attackers to extract database credentials, manipulate data, or even gain access to underlying system resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the network, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals who seek to maximize their attack surface while minimizing their operational risk.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from Oracle and OpenJDK vendors, which typically involve updating to versions that properly address the access control restrictions in the SerialJavaObject class. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications, particularly those with database connectivity. Additionally, implementing Java security policies that restrict serialization operations and monitoring for unusual serialization activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly suitable for exploitation in web applications, so organizations should also review their web application security configurations and consider implementing additional layers of protection such as Web Application Firewalls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable Java versions within the organization's infrastructure, as the patching process must be comprehensive to ensure all affected systems are protected against this specific sandbox bypass vulnerability.