CVE-2013-2472 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 ShortBandedRaster size checks" in 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2472 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This weakness resides within the 2D graphics subsystem of the Java platform, specifically manifesting in the handling of raster data structures during graphics processing operations. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified in the initial description indicates that the precise technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though subsequent analysis has revealed connections to improper size validation within the ShortBandedRaster implementation. The affected versions span across 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, demonstrating the widespread impact across multiple Java runtime versions and implementations.
The technical flaw within this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of raster data structures during 2D graphics operations, particularly concerning the ShortBandedRaster class which manages memory allocation for bitmap data. When processing certain graphics operations, the Java runtime fails to properly validate the size parameters of raster data structures, creating potential for memory corruption or arbitrary code execution. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the raster size calculations in a manner that bypasses the security boundaries established by the Java sandbox mechanism. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves crafting malicious graphics data that triggers incorrect size checks during raster processing, potentially enabling attackers to execute code outside the intended security context. The flaw operates at a fundamental level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard Java 2D API calls without requiring special privileges or elevated access rights.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2472 extends beyond simple confidentiality breaches to encompass all three pillars of the CIA triad, making it a particularly severe vulnerability. Attackers can potentially achieve complete system compromise through this vector, as the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution that bypasses the Java sandbox protections designed to isolate untrusted code from the underlying system. The availability aspect is compromised through potential denial of service conditions that can occur when malformed graphics data causes the Java runtime to crash or become unresponsive. Integrity violations occur when attackers can manipulate memory structures to inject malicious code or alter legitimate program behavior. This vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the flaw through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly deployed. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread use of Java across various platforms and applications, including web browsers, enterprise applications, and server environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2472 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Java installations to the latest available versions, specifically targeting Oracle Java SE 7 Update 25 or later, Java SE 6 Update 51 or later, and Java SE 5.0 Update 51 or later, along with corresponding OpenJDK updates. The implementation of Java security policies and the restriction of Java applet execution in web browsers represents a crucial defensive measure that can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and the deployment of intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation for all graphics-related data processing and disabling unnecessary Java applet functionality in web applications provides additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of Java applications to only those that have been properly validated and approved for use within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 indicates it relates to improper input validation, while its exploitation patterns align with techniques found in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 and T1068 techniques for executing malicious code through application interfaces.
The vulnerability's significance within the broader context of Java security vulnerabilities demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring practices. CVE-2013-2472 exemplifies how seemingly specialized components within complex software systems can contain fundamental flaws that compromise entire security architectures. The fact that this vulnerability was discovered through vendor collaboration and third-party analysis highlights the importance of information sharing within the cybersecurity community for identifying and addressing critical security flaws. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability face significant risk of compromise through remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system takeover and data breaches. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Java versions underscores the need for comprehensive security management practices that account for the full lifecycle of software components and their security implications.