CVE-2013-2458 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 21 and earlier, and OpenJDK 7, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity 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 allows remote attackers to bypass the Java sandbox via "an error related to method handles."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2458 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE versions 7 Update 21 and earlier, as well as OpenJDK 7 implementations. This unspecified weakness resides within the libraries portion of the Java environment, creating a potential attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though security researchers have identified connections to method handle errors that could enable sandbox bypass capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the JRE handles library operations, particularly within the method handle functionality that governs dynamic method invocation within the Java virtual machine. Method handles represent a sophisticated feature introduced in Java 7 that allows for dynamic invocation of methods at runtime, but this capability appears to have been improperly constrained or validated in the affected versions. The flaw manifests as an insufficient validation mechanism that permits malicious code to circumvent the security boundaries established by the Java sandbox, which is designed to isolate untrusted code execution and prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Java-based applications and services. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive data, or modify system configurations without proper authorization. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors do not require physical access to target systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where Java applications are exposed to external threats. The impact extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches, as the integrity compromise could allow for persistent backdoor establishment and long-term system compromise.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation and sandbox evasion. The CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification for such vulnerabilities typically falls under categories related to insufficient validation of method handles or improper access control mechanisms within runtime environments. Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt patching of affected Java installations, network segmentation to limit Java application exposure, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious execution patterns. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Java security policies that restrict method handle usage and enforce stricter sandbox boundaries to minimize the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities that may arise in the future.