CVE-2013-2463 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, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D. 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 "Incorrect image attribute verification" in 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2463 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue falls under the broader category of sandbox bypass vulnerabilities that can compromise the fundamental security model of Java applications. The vulnerability is specifically associated with the 2D graphics subsystem within the Java runtime environment, which handles image processing and rendering operations that are commonly used in web applications and desktop software. The affected versions include 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, indicating this weakness has persisted across multiple major releases and represents a long-standing security concern.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper verification of image attributes within the 2D graphics processing pipeline, as suggested by the alternative vendor claims pointing to "Incorrect image attribute verification." This flaw allows malicious actors to exploit the Java sandbox protection mechanisms through carefully crafted image files or web content that triggers the vulnerable code path. The 2D graphics subsystem in Java is responsible for handling various image formats and rendering operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to bypass security restrictions. When an application processes untrusted image data through the 2D graphics APIs, the insufficient validation of image attributes creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures or execute arbitrary code outside the intended security boundaries. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer and CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, as it undermines the fundamental access control mechanisms that protect Java applications from malicious input.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2463 extends beyond simple confidentiality breaches, as it can affect all three core security principles defined by the CIA triad. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially achieve arbitrary code execution, data manipulation, and service disruption across affected systems. The remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors can target users through web browsers or other applications that process image content, making the attack surface particularly wide. Systems running affected Java versions become vulnerable to various attack vectors including drive-by downloads, malicious web content, and social engineering campaigns that leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access to target systems. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed, as a single compromised system could potentially lead to broader network infiltration and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java installations, as Oracle has released security updates addressing the specific issues in the 2D graphics processing code. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions such as disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, particularly for untrusted websites, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious image content. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Java applications with minimal required permissions and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Java code. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous image processing activities or unexpected memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through legitimate Java runtime components that are commonly enabled in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing solutions that provide additional isolation layers beyond the standard Java security model to protect against potential exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.