CVE-2013-5829 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 implementations, specifically affecting versions through 7u40, 6u60, 5.0u51, and their embedded counterparts. The flaw exists in the 2D graphics subsystem of the Java runtime environment, representing a critical security weakness that spans multiple Java versions and deployment scenarios. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors indicates that attackers can exploit various pathways within the 2D graphics processing capabilities to compromise system security. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure and system integrity compromise, making it particularly dangerous for environments where Java applications handle sensitive data or operate in security-critical contexts.
The technical implementation of the 2D graphics processing in Java SE creates multiple potential attack surfaces that adversaries can leverage to execute malicious code or manipulate system resources. When Java applications utilize 2D graphics operations, they interact with underlying system components that may not properly validate input parameters or handle memory management in the graphics rendering pipeline. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime process, which could lead to complete system compromise depending on the execution environment. This class of vulnerability typically involves memory corruption issues, buffer overflows, or improper access controls within the graphics subsystem that enable attackers to manipulate program execution flow or extract confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous enterprise and consumer environments where Oracle Java is deployed, particularly in web applications, desktop applications, and embedded systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness remotely without requiring local access, making it a significant threat vector for network-based attacks. The vulnerability affects not only standard Java installations but also embedded systems that rely on Java SE Embedded for their operation, potentially compromising IoT devices, industrial control systems, and other networked equipment. Organizations running affected Java versions face risks of data breaches, system availability disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, as Oracle has released security updates addressing this specific weakness. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java-enabled systems to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns identified in the attack technique framework, particularly those involving privilege escalation and code execution through application-level flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in Java processes and network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, as the attack surface includes multiple potential vectors for remote code execution and information disclosure.