CVE-2013-5809 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, and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms affecting multiple versions including Java SE 7u40 and earlier, Java SE 6u60 and earlier, Java SE 5.0u51 and earlier, and Java SE Embedded 7u40 and earlier. The weakness specifically pertains to the 2D graphics component implementation within the Java runtime environment, representing a critical security gap that enables remote exploitation through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanisms remain undisclosed, though it operates within the Java 2D graphics subsystem which handles rendering operations for graphical user interfaces and multimedia content. This component is fundamental to Java applications that require graphical display capabilities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through graphical processing pathways.
The technical flaw manifests in the Java 2D graphics subsystem's handling of graphical operations, potentially involving memory management issues, buffer overflows, or improper input validation within the rendering pipeline. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through remote execution channels to compromise system confidentiality by accessing sensitive data, integrity by modifying system resources, and availability by disrupting services through denial-of-service conditions. The 2D graphics processing area presents unique attack surfaces where malformed graphical data or maliciously crafted graphics operations can trigger exploitable conditions. This vulnerability type aligns with common software security weaknesses such as those categorized under CWE-119 for memory safety issues and CWE-20 for input validation failures, though the specific manifestation within Java 2D graphics requires careful analysis of the graphics rendering engine's memory handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across various computing environments where Java applications utilize graphical interfaces or multimedia processing capabilities. Systems running affected Java versions become susceptible to remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire networks through lateral movement, particularly in enterprise environments where Java-based applications are prevalent. The vulnerability's potential to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability creates a comprehensive security risk that can result in data breaches, system corruption, and service disruptions. Organizations utilizing Java applications for web services, desktop applications, or embedded systems face significant exposure, as the 2D graphics component is frequently accessed through web browsers, application servers, and client-side applications. This vulnerability represents a critical threat to enterprise security infrastructure, particularly in environments where Java applications are extensively deployed across multiple platforms and operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest security releases provided by Oracle, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Security controls should include monitoring for suspicious network activity related to Java 2D graphics processing and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted Java applications. The remediation process must account for compatibility testing of patched Java versions with existing applications to prevent service disruption while addressing the security vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for Java applications and reducing the attack surface by disabling unnecessary Java features and plugins, particularly in web browser environments where the vulnerability is most commonly exploited through web-based attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits targeting core platform components.