CVE-2013-5787 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u40 and earlier, Java SE 6u60 and earlier, and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5787 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms affecting multiple versions including Java SE 7u40 and earlier, Java SE 6u60 and earlier, and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier. This issue resides within the Deployment component of the Java runtime environment, which handles the execution and management of Java applications in web browsers and desktop environments. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability means that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though it is categorized as affecting core security properties including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The Deployment functionality is particularly concerning as it enables the execution of Java applets and applications within web browsers, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical flaw within the Deployment subsystem likely involves improper validation or handling of Java applet code or deployment descriptors that could allow attackers to exploit memory management issues, code execution vulnerabilities, or privilege escalation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security flaws that can enable remote code execution or information disclosure when Java applets are executed in web browsers. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption as the vulnerability can potentially allow attackers to manipulate system resources, access sensitive data, or disrupt service availability. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-119 or similar memory corruption categories that affect software components responsible for processing untrusted input.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5787 is substantial as it affects widely deployed Java runtime environments across enterprise networks, web applications, and embedded systems. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential compromise of their entire infrastructure since Java applets are commonly used in corporate applications, web portals, and internal tools. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain strict network segmentation. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt business operations through availability attacks. The vulnerability's presence in Java SE Embedded versions also affects IoT devices, mobile applications, and other embedded systems that rely on Java technology.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5787 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, as Oracle would have released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations must also implement network-level controls to restrict Java applet execution, particularly in web browsers, and consider disabling Java plugin functionality in browsers where it is not strictly required. The principle of least privilege should be applied to Java runtime environments, limiting their access to system resources and network services. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Java process behavior, unauthorized code execution attempts, and network connections from Java applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be categorized under T1059 for execution through Java applets and potentially T1070 for file and directory permissions manipulation. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional exposure points in Java-dependent applications and systems. Organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy Java versions and implementing more modern, secure application delivery mechanisms that do not rely on potentially vulnerable applet technologies.