CVE-2013-2467 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 5.0 Update 45 and earlier allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to the Java installer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2467 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment component of Java SE versions 5.0 Update 45 and earlier. This issue falls under the broader category of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java installer process, which operates with elevated privileges during installation and configuration phases. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors indicates that the exact technical mechanisms remain undisclosed, though the impact spans all three core security principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Such comprehensive scope suggests that an attacker with local access could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify system configurations, or disrupt system operations.
The technical flaw resides within the installer component of the Java Runtime Environment, which typically executes with administrative privileges to properly configure system components and registry entries. When a local user can manipulate the installer process or its execution environment, they may be able to inject malicious code or modify installation parameters that affect system security. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation issue where a less privileged user can leverage installer weaknesses to gain elevated system access. The installer's failure to properly validate execution contexts or sanitize input parameters creates opportunities for attackers to exploit the process. This weakness aligns with common software security issues categorized under CWE-264, which deals with permissions, privileges, and access control problems. The vulnerability's location within the installer component also connects to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation opportunities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious threat to organizations relying on older Java versions, as local users could potentially compromise entire systems through seemingly benign installation processes. The attack vector requires local system access but can result in complete system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared computing scenarios. System administrators may unknowingly install malicious code during routine Java updates, as the vulnerability operates within the legitimate installation process. Organizations with outdated Java installations face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability affects versions that are no longer supported with security patches. The confidentiality impact means that sensitive data could be accessed or exfiltrated, while the integrity compromise allows for system configuration modifications that could persist beyond the initial attack. The availability impact could manifest through system instability or complete service disruption, depending on how the attacker chooses to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2467 must prioritize immediate remediation through system updates to newer Java versions that have addressed this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict patch management policies to ensure all Java installations are current and supported. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary Java installations and implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized Java execution. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting local user access to system installation processes. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual installation activities or unauthorized Java process execution. Regular security audits should verify that no vulnerable Java versions remain installed on systems. Additional protective measures include implementing secure boot processes, monitoring installer execution logs, and establishing clear procedures for Java installation and updates. Given that this vulnerability affects legacy Java versions, organizations should develop migration plans to transition away from unsupported Java releases, as continued use exposes systems to additional unpatched vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of affected Java versions across the enterprise infrastructure.