CVE-2013-5800 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u40 and earlier and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality via vectors related to JGSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5800 resides within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded versions 7u40 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that impacts the confidentiality of data transmitted through the Java platform. This vulnerability specifically affects the Java GSS (Generic Security Services) implementation, which serves as a crucial component for securing communications in distributed applications. The JGSS framework provides mechanisms for authentication and secure communication between Java applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise sensitive information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of security contexts within the JGSS implementation, which could allow remote attackers to manipulate authentication processes and potentially access confidential data. The unspecified nature of the exact vector suggests that the flaw may manifest through multiple attack paths within the GSS framework, potentially involving manipulation of security tokens, credential handling, or context management. This weakness falls under the broader category of cryptographic implementation flaws that can undermine the security assurances provided by the Java platform's security services.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Java-based applications for secure communications. Attackers could exploit this flaw to intercept or manipulate data flows that depend on JGSS for authentication and encryption, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, man-in-the-middle attacks, or credential compromise. The impact extends beyond individual applications to affect entire enterprise networks where Java applications interact with external systems through secure channels, particularly in environments where authentication and data integrity are paramount.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt patching of affected Java installations to version 7u45 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while reviewing their Java application configurations to ensure proper security context handling. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise environments, as it aligns with common attack patterns documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion tactics. This flaw represents a typical example of how cryptographic service implementations can introduce security weaknesses that require careful attention to both the technical implementation and operational security practices.
The vulnerability classification places it within CWE-310, which covers cryptographic weaknesses, specifically focusing on issues related to improper implementation of cryptographic protocols. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Java-based systems, particularly examining applications that utilize JGSS for secure communications. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other cryptographic implementations. Additionally, implementing proper security monitoring and incident response procedures will help detect and respond to exploitation attempts that may leverage this or similar vulnerabilities in the JGSS framework.