CVE-2013-5907 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u55, 6u65, and 7u45; JRockit R27.7.7 and R28.2.9; Java SE Embedded 7u45; and OpenJDK 7 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D. NOTE: the previous information is from the January 2014 CPU. Oracle has not commented on third-party claims that the issue is due to incorrect input validation in LookupProcessor.cpp in the ICU Layout Engine, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted font file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5907 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Java runtime environments including Oracle Java SE, JRockit, Java SE Embedded, and OpenJDK implementations. This vulnerability resides within the 2D graphics subsystem and specifically involves the ICU Layout Engine's LookupProcessor.cpp component, which handles font processing operations. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize font data before processing, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified in the initial Oracle advisory suggests that the exact technical mechanism was not fully disclosed at the time of reporting, though subsequent analysis has identified the root cause within the font rendering pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted font files that contain malformed or malicious input data designed to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the LookupProcessor.cpp module. When the Java runtime processes these specially crafted font files, the insufficient validation allows attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, system crashes, or code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning as font processing occurs during normal application operation, making exploitation possible through various legitimate application pathways including web browsers, desktop applications, and server-side Java applications that handle user-provided content.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5907 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute remote code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects multiple Java implementations across different platforms, amplifying its potential impact across enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed. The fact that this vulnerability affects both desktop and embedded Java implementations means that targets range from traditional enterprise servers to IoT devices and mobile applications that rely on Java runtime environments. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for network denial of service, demonstrating the comprehensive attack surface this flaw presents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5907 require immediate patching of all affected Java runtime environments with the latest security updates provided by Oracle and OpenJDK maintainers. Organizations should implement strict font file validation policies that filter or sanitize font content before processing, particularly for applications that handle user-provided or external font resources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to vulnerable Java applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual font processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing sandboxing techniques for Java applications that process external content can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in graphics processing libraries, as similar issues in font rendering components have been identified in other software ecosystems, making this a critical area for ongoing security hardening efforts.