CVE-2013-6493 in IcedTea-Web
Summary
by MITRE
The LiveConnect implementation in plugin/icedteanp/IcedTeaNPPlugin.cc in IcedTea-Web before 1.4.2 allows local users to read the messages between a Java applet and a web browser by pre-creating a temporary socket file with a predictable name in /tmp.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-6493 resides within the LiveConnect implementation of IcedTea-Web version 1.4.2 and earlier, specifically in the plugin/icedteanp/IcedTeaNPPlugin.cc component. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables local privilege escalation through improper socket file handling during Java applet communication with web browsers. The issue stems from the predictable naming convention used for temporary socket files created in the /tmp directory, which creates an exploitable race condition scenario.
The technical implementation flaw involves the creation of temporary socket files with predictable names in the /tmp directory without proper security measures to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation by local users. When a Java applet communicates with a web browser through LiveConnect, the system creates these temporary socket files to facilitate communication. However, the implementation does not adequately secure these temporary files or ensure their uniqueness, allowing malicious local users to pre-create socket files with the same predictable names before the legitimate application attempts to create them.
This vulnerability operates under the principle of time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions, where an attacker can exploit the window between when the system checks for the existence of a socket file and when it actually uses that file. The attack vector specifically targets the /tmp directory, which is a common target for privilege escalation attacks due to its world-writable nature and predictable file creation patterns. According to CWE-367, this represents a Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use race condition that allows attackers to manipulate system resources between the check and the actual use.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows local users to intercept and read sensitive communications between Java applets and web browsers. This could potentially expose session tokens, authentication credentials, or other confidential data transmitted through the LiveConnect mechanism. The ability to read these messages compromises the confidentiality of web browser-Java applet communications and could lead to session hijacking or credential theft. The vulnerability affects all systems running IcedTea-Web versions prior to 1.4.2, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share the same system resources.
The mitigation strategy involves upgrading to IcedTea-Web version 1.4.2 or later, which includes proper socket file handling with unique naming conventions and appropriate security measures. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and monitoring for the /tmp directory, ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate security attributes. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper randomization or unique naming schemes for temporary socket files, preventing attackers from pre-creating files with predictable names. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for /tmp directory access and monitor for unusual file creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055.001 for privilege escalation through race conditions and demonstrates the importance of secure temporary file handling in web browser plugin architectures.