CVE-2013-5844 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u40 and earlier and JavaFX 2.2.40 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to JavaFX.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE versions 7u40 and earlier, as well as JavaFX 2.2.40 and earlier, representing a critical security gap that spans across multiple Java runtime components. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability means that while the exact technical flaw remains undisclosed, the impact is severe enough to compromise all three fundamental principles of information security. The vulnerability specifically affects JavaFX components, which are integral parts of Oracle's rich internet application platform that enables developers to create desktop and web applications with multimedia capabilities. These JavaFX components are commonly integrated into enterprise applications, making the attack surface particularly broad and impactful.
The technical flaw manifests through unknown vectors related to JavaFX, suggesting that the vulnerability could be exploited through various attack paths that leverage the JavaFX runtime environment. Given that JavaFX applications often execute in web browsers through the Java plugin or as standalone applications, attackers could potentially exploit this weakness through malicious web content, downloaded applications, or even through compromised legitimate applications that utilize JavaFX components. The vulnerability's classification as affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability indicates that it could enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system components, or disrupt service availability. This triad compromise aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack framework, where vulnerabilities in runtime environments often provide attackers with persistent access to underlying systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual system compromises, as JavaFX applications are extensively used in enterprise environments for business-critical applications. Organizations that deploy JavaFX-based applications, particularly those in financial services, healthcare, or government sectors, face significant risks when this vulnerability exists in their systems. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or local privileges, making the attack vector particularly dangerous. This vulnerability could enable attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks, bypass security controls, or establish persistent backdoors through the JavaFX runtime environment, which often maintains elevated privileges due to the nature of desktop application execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Oracle's security patches and updates, as well as network-level defenses such as disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers and implementing application whitelisting policies. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and JavaFX components, followed by immediate patching operations. The implementation of network segmentation and monitoring controls can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all JavaFX applications are running on patched versions. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software inventory management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with rich internet application platforms and the complex attack surface they create. It aligns with common attack patterns found in the ATT&CK framework where runtime environments serve as primary targets for adversaries seeking persistent access. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability could result in violations of security standards such as those outlined in the CWE catalog, particularly those related to runtime environment vulnerabilities and software quality issues. Organizations should ensure that their incident response procedures include specific protocols for addressing Java runtime vulnerabilities, as these often require immediate action due to their remote exploitation capabilities and broad impact potential.