CVE-2013-5878 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u65 and 7u45, Java SE Embedded 7u45, and OpenJDK 7 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Security. NOTE: the previous information is from the January 2014 CPU. Oracle has not commented on third-party claims that the the Security component does not properly handle null XML namespace (xmlns) attributes during XML document canonicalization, which allows attackers to escape the sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5878 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK implementations that affects multiple versions including Java SE 6u65 and 7u45, Java SE Embedded 7u45, and OpenJDK 7. This issue falls under the broader category of security vulnerabilities in Java's XML processing capabilities, specifically within the canonicalization process that transforms XML documents into a standardized form for comparison and processing. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of null XML namespace attributes during document canonicalization, creating a significant sandbox escape mechanism that undermines Java's security model.
The technical flaw manifests when Java's XML processing libraries encounter XML documents containing null namespace declarations, particularly xmlns attributes that are set to null or empty values. During the canonicalization process, these malformed namespace declarations cause the security sandbox to be bypassed, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code outside the intended execution boundaries. This represents a fundamental breakdown in Java's security architecture where the XML parser fails to properly validate namespace attributes before processing them, creating an attack vector that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-223, which deals with incomplete handling of data representations, and specifically relates to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to completely circumvent Java's security restrictions and execute malicious code with the privileges of the Java runtime environment. This allows for arbitrary file access, system information disclosure, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects applications that process untrusted XML input, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, enterprise systems, and any environment where XML processing is utilized. Attackers can exploit this through various means including web applications, email attachments, or any application that accepts XML data from external sources. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need local system access, making the vulnerability particularly attractive for widespread attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1210 for exploitation of remote services.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution as this vulnerability can be leveraged to bypass various security controls that depend on proper XML namespace handling. The inability to properly handle null namespace attributes during canonicalization creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the security context in which Java applications execute, potentially allowing access to restricted resources, modification of system files, and execution of unauthorized processes. Organizations running affected Java versions are at significant risk, particularly those with web applications or services that process XML data from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's classification as a sandbox escape means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, making it a critical priority for remediation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects not just Oracle's proprietary Java implementation but also OpenJDK, indicating the widespread nature of the issue across the Java ecosystem and requiring coordinated patching efforts across multiple vendors and distributions.