CVE-2013-5893 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u45 and Java SE Embedded 7u45, and OpenJDK 7, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Libraries. NOTE: the previous information is from the January 2014 CPU. Oracle has not commented on third-party claims that the issue is related to improper handling of methods in MethodHandles in HotSpot JVM, which allows attackers to escape the sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5893 represents a critical security flaw affecting Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded versions 7u45, along with OpenJDK 7 implementations. This weakness resides within the libraries component of the Java runtime environment and has been classified as a remote attack vector capable of compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The vulnerability's true nature was initially obscured in the January 2014 CPU release, prompting further investigation by security researchers who identified it as potentially related to improper handling of methods within MethodHandles in the HotSpot JVM. This connection places the vulnerability within the realm of sandbox escape techniques that could allow malicious actors to bypass Java's security restrictions. The issue demonstrates how low-level JVM components can be exploited to undermine fundamental security boundaries that protect against unauthorized code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the HotSpot JVM processes MethodHandles, which are used to represent methods in the Java Virtual Machine and enable dynamic method invocation. When improperly handled, these method references can be manipulated to access restricted memory areas or execute unauthorized operations that should be prohibited within the Java sandbox environment. The flaw allows attackers to potentially exploit the JVM's internal method handling mechanisms to escape the security boundaries that normally isolate untrusted code from system resources. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions, and potentially CWE-122, which covers "Heap Overflow" scenarios that can occur when method handling routines are not properly validated. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the JVM level where security boundaries are typically enforced, making it difficult to detect and prevent through conventional application-level security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5893 extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the Java environment, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources or performing unauthorized operations that could lead to complete system takeover. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications and services running vulnerable Java implementations. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability of systems since attackers can potentially cause denial of service conditions through memory corruption or system instability. The integrity implications are equally severe as attackers can modify system behavior or inject malicious code into running Java processes. Organizations running Java-based applications, particularly those exposed to untrusted input or remote users, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The attack pattern associated with this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" and can be extended to T1072 for "Software Deployment Tools" when considering how Java-based exploits can be deployed and executed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5893 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to address the vulnerability through patch management procedures. Oracle's official patches for Java SE 7u45 and Java SE Embedded 7u45 should be deployed as soon as possible, with careful testing to ensure compatibility with existing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially vulnerable Java applications, particularly those handling untrusted input. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary Java applets in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious Java-related activities in system logs. Security teams should also consider using Java security managers with strict policy files to further restrict Java application capabilities, though this approach may impact legitimate application functionality. The vulnerability's classification as a sandbox escape issue means that traditional perimeter-based security measures may be insufficient, requiring more comprehensive security approaches that address the underlying JVM-level weaknesses. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential JVM-based vulnerabilities that could be exploited in similar ways.