CVE-2013-2471 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 IntegerComponentRaster size checks."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2471 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 rendering subsystem of the Java platform, specifically involving the handling of image data structures. The vulnerability was initially disclosed as unspecified by Oracle in their June 2013 Critical Patch Update, indicating the complexity and severity of the underlying issue that required further investigation by the security community. 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, along with OpenJDK 7, demonstrating the widespread impact across the Java ecosystem.
Technical analysis reveals that this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of integer values within the IntegerComponentRaster size checking mechanisms used in Java's 2D graphics implementation. The flaw manifests when processing image data structures where the size calculations for raster components fail to properly validate input parameters, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory boundaries through crafted image data. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-131, which covers incorrect calculation of buffer or object sizes. The improper handling of integer values in the raster component size checks creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the memory layout of graphics objects, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption scenarios that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2471 extends beyond simple confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns to encompass potential complete system compromise when exploited. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can bypass the Java sandbox protections that are fundamental to the platform's security model, effectively neutralizing the security boundaries that separate trusted Java applications from potentially malicious code. This sandbox bypass capability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1055 category for privilege escalation and code injection. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors can deliver payloads through web browsers, Java applets, or other network-based Java execution contexts without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applets are commonly used for business applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2471 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of the Java platform, as Oracle has released updated versions that address the integer component raster size checking issues. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Java installations across their infrastructure, particularly targeting web browsers and server environments where Java applets are deployed. Additional protective measures include implementing Java security policy restrictions that limit the execution of unsigned code, disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers where possible, and employing network segmentation to limit exposure. Security administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious Java-related network traffic patterns and implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify unpatched systems within their environment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current Java installations and demonstrates how graphics processing components can introduce significant security risks when not properly validated against malicious input data.