CVE-2013-5776 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java SE and Java SE Embedded components in Oracle Java SE Java SE 7u40 and earlier, Java SE 6u60 and earlier, and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5776 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting versions through Java SE 7u40 and Java SE 6u60, along with Java SE Embedded 7u40. This issue falls under the broader category of integrity-related vulnerabilities that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. The vulnerability is classified as unspecified, indicating that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though it is clearly tied to the Deployment component of the Java runtime environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the Java Deployment component which is responsible for handling the execution and management of Java applets and applications within web browsers. When a user accesses a web page containing Java content, the Deployment component processes and executes this content, making it a prime target for exploitation. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability suggests that attackers could potentially manipulate the integrity of system operations through various attack vectors related to how Java applets are deployed and executed. This could include manipulation of downloaded applets, exploitation of memory management issues, or interference with the Java security model during deployment operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5776 is significant as it allows remote attackers to compromise the integrity of systems running vulnerable Java versions. This means that malicious actors could potentially modify or inject code into Java applications, leading to unauthorized system modifications, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed. The integrity aspect of the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it implies that the attacker could modify the behavior of legitimate applications, potentially allowing for persistent backdoors or data exfiltration mechanisms.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, particularly within the execution and privilege escalation domains where attackers manipulate deployed applications to gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-119, which covers weaknesses in memory management, and CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the latest Java versions, implementing strict network segmentation, and disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers where possible. Additionally, monitoring for unusual Java-related activities and implementing application whitelisting policies can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date Java installations and implementing comprehensive security measures to protect against remote code execution threats in enterprise environments.