CVE-2013-5797 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u40 and earlier, Java SE 6u60 and earlier, Java SE 5.0u51 and earlier, JRockit R28.2.8 and earlier, JRockit R27.7.6 and earlier, and JavaFX 2.2.40 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect integrity via unknown vectors related to Javadoc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5797 represents a critical security flaw within multiple Oracle Java implementations including standard Java SE, Java SE 6, Java SE 5, JRockit, and JavaFX versions. This issue manifests in the Javadoc processing components of these Java environments, which are used for generating documentation from source code comments. The vulnerability is classified as unspecified, indicating that Oracle did not provide detailed technical information about the exact nature of the flaw during the initial disclosure, though subsequent analysis has revealed significant implications for system integrity. The affected versions span across several major Java releases, suggesting this was a widespread issue affecting enterprise environments that heavily rely on Java-based applications and documentation generation processes.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and processing mechanisms within the Javadoc generation system, which operates under the broader category of software vulnerabilities related to documentation tools. When authenticated users interact with systems that process Javadoc comments, particularly in environments where automated documentation generation occurs, they can potentially exploit this weakness to manipulate or corrupt the integrity of the documentation system. The unspecified nature of the vector suggests that the vulnerability could be triggered through various methods involving Javadoc processing, including malformed comments, specific code patterns, or manipulation of input parameters that control how documentation is generated and stored. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation details indicate a more complex integrity-related flaw within the Java documentation subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple documentation corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to compromise system integrity within Java-based environments. In enterprise settings where automated documentation generation is integrated into build processes, continuous integration systems, or development workflows, an authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to introduce malicious content into generated documentation or potentially manipulate the documentation generation process itself. The implications are particularly concerning in environments where documentation integrity is crucial for compliance, audit trails, or system monitoring. Attackers could potentially use this weakness to obscure legitimate code changes, introduce false information in generated documentation, or create backdoors within documentation systems that could be exploited later. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Java implementations means that organizations running various Java-based applications and tools are at risk, as the flaw exists across different Java runtime environments and development tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5797 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, as Oracle released updates addressing this vulnerability in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit who can perform documentation generation activities, particularly in environments where automated documentation systems are in place. The principle of least privilege should be enforced when configuring Javadoc generation processes, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to systems that process source code documentation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing input sanitization measures for any automated documentation generation systems and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalies in documentation generation activities. Security teams should also review their Java deployment environments to ensure that outdated versions are not being used, particularly in production systems where documentation integrity is critical. The vulnerability's classification as affecting multiple Java implementations underscores the importance of comprehensive patch management strategies that address all Java-related components within an organization's technology stack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion through manipulation of system documentation and integrity controls.