CVE-2013-2470 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 "ImagingLib byte lookup processing."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2470 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue resides within the 2D graphics processing subsystem of the Java platform, specifically within the ImagingLib byte lookup processing functionality that handles image manipulation operations. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified in the initial description indicates that the precise technical mechanism enabling the exploit was not fully disclosed in the original advisory, though subsequent analysis has revealed significant implications for Java sandbox security boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of byte lookup operations within the ImagingLib component, which is responsible for processing image data in Java applications. When processing certain image files or data streams that utilize specific byte lookup tables, the JRE fails to properly validate input parameters and memory boundaries, creating potential attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries. This processing error occurs during the execution of 2D graphics operations and can be triggered through various image format parsing scenarios, including but not limited to jpeg, png, and other raster image formats that utilize lookup tables for color mapping and image transformations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2470 extends across multiple security dimensions as attackers can potentially compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running affected Java versions. The most significant concern stems from the ability of remote attackers to bypass the Java sandbox protection mechanisms that are designed to isolate untrusted code execution. This sandbox bypass capability allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this flaw through web browsers, web applications, or any Java-based application that processes image data, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are prevalent.
Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, as the flaw involves inadequate bounds checking during byte lookup table processing. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can execute malicious code through Java applets or applications. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-uploaded images. The issue affects not only Oracle's proprietary Java implementations but also OpenJDK distributions, indicating the vulnerability exists at the core Java 2D graphics processing layer.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2470 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available security updates from Oracle and OpenJDK maintainers. Organizations should prioritize updating their Java runtime environments to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, particularly focusing on Java SE 7 Update 25, Java SE 6 Update 47, and Java SE 5.0 Update 47 or later. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, restricting access to Java-based applications, and deploying web application firewalls can provide additional protective layers. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applet execution and implementing strict input validation for any applications that process image data, while monitoring for suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's severity classification as critical underscores the urgency for immediate remediation across all affected systems.