CVE-2013-2473 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 ByteBandedRaster size checks" in 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2473 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations. This issue specifically resides within the 2D graphics subsystem of the Java platform, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Java applications across enterprise environments and web applications. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified in its initial description suggests that the exact nature of the flaw was not immediately clear to the vendor, which often indicates a complex or subtle security weakness that may have multiple attack vectors or exploitation pathways.
The technical core of this vulnerability appears to be related to incorrect bytebanded raster size checks within the 2D graphics processing capabilities of Java. According to security researchers and vendor reports, this flaw enables attackers to bypass the Java sandbox protection mechanisms that are fundamental to Java's security model. The bytebanded raster functionality is used for handling image data in 2D graphics operations, and when size checks are improperly validated, it creates opportunities for memory corruption or unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which deals with insufficient size checks for buffers and data structures, and specifically relates to the improper handling of memory boundaries in graphics processing components.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2473 is severe and multifaceted, affecting all three pillars of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially execute arbitrary code within the Java runtime environment, which could lead to complete system compromise when the affected Java applications are running with elevated privileges. The remote attack capability means that exploitation can occur without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where Java applets are commonly executed. This vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the system since successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system files, inject malicious code, or manipulate data processing within Java applications. The availability aspect is compromised through potential denial-of-service conditions or complete system crashes that may result from memory corruption caused by improper size validation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and sandbox evasion. The ability to bypass the Java sandbox represents a sophisticated attack vector that would typically be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, as it allows attackers to move beyond the restricted execution environment that Java normally provides. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment for Java-dependent systems, particularly those running older versions of Java SE and OpenJDK that have not received the necessary security patches. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios to include potential for advanced persistent threats where attackers could establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to compromised systems through the Java runtime environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2473 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java installations, including Oracle Java SE versions 7 Update 21 and earlier, 6 Update 45 and earlier, 5.0 Update 45 and earlier, as well as OpenJDK 7 implementations. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to Java applets and web applications that may be vulnerable to this class of attack. The Java security model should be reviewed and potentially hardened through the use of security policies that restrict the execution of unsigned code and limit the privileges available to Java applications. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual Java runtime behavior or attempts to access restricted resources that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated Java installations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unpatched in the environment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and the critical role that Java security controls play in protecting enterprise systems from sophisticated attack vectors that target the runtime environment itself.