CVE-2013-5889 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u65 and 7u45 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-5902, CVE-2014-0410, CVE-2014-0415, CVE-2014-0418, and CVE-2014-0424.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5889 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE versions 6u65 and 7u45 that affects the deployment component of the Java runtime environment. This issue falls under the broader category of Java runtime vulnerabilities that have historically posed substantial risks to enterprise environments due to the widespread deployment of Java applications across various platforms. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though its impact spans all three fundamental principles of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The deployment functionality in question likely encompasses the Java plugin execution environment and the mechanisms through which Java applets and applications are downloaded and executed within web browsers, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides within the Java Deployment Toolkit and related components that handle the secure execution of Java applications in web environments. While the specific exploit vector remains undisclosed, the classification as a deployment-related vulnerability suggests that attackers could potentially manipulate the Java plugin's behavior during the application loading process. This could involve exploiting memory management issues, improper input validation, or insecure handling of downloaded content. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs such as CVE-2013-5902, CVE-2014-0410, CVE-2014-0415, CVE-2014-0418, and CVE-2014-0424 indicates that it operates within the same attack surface but manifests through distinct technical pathways, demonstrating the complexity of Java security issues that often involve multiple interconnected components.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5889 extends far beyond simple technical disruption, as it creates opportunities for attackers to compromise entire systems through the exploitation of the Java plugin. The confidentiality aspect of this vulnerability could enable attackers to access sensitive data that might be processed or stored within Java applications, while the integrity component suggests potential for data manipulation or code injection attacks. The availability impact indicates that attackers could potentially cause denial of service conditions or system instability through exploitation of the deployment components. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where Java applets are actively used or where users browse untrusted websites that could serve malicious Java content. This vulnerability's potential for remote code execution, even without specific exploitation details, makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise contexts where Java is commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5889 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions, as Oracle typically releases security updates to address such vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict access to Java plugin functionality where possible, particularly in environments where Java applets are not essential for business operations. The deployment of Java sandboxing mechanisms and browser security controls can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate any remaining vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unsigned Java applications, aligning with security frameworks such as those recommended by the Center for Internet Security. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability would likely map to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through web-based attack vectors, requiring comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains to effectively protect against potential exploitation attempts.