CVE-2014-0429 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8; JRockit R27.8.1 and R28.3.1; and Java SE Embedded 7u51 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded implementations across multiple version branches including Java 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, alongside JRockit versions R27.8.1 and R28.3.1. The flaw specifically impacts the 2D graphics rendering subsystem which falls under the broader category of graphics processing libraries within the Java runtime environment. The vulnerability is classified as unspecified, indicating that Oracle did not provide detailed technical information about the precise nature of the weakness during the initial disclosure. This lack of specificity makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals as it suggests potential for multiple attack vectors or complex exploitation mechanisms that may not be immediately apparent.
The technical flaw manifests within the 2D graphics component of the Java runtime environment, which handles rendering operations for graphical user interfaces and other visual elements. This subsystem is responsible for processing graphics commands and translating them into visual output across different platforms. The vulnerability affects the fundamental rendering capabilities that applications depend upon when displaying graphics, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate how graphical elements are processed and displayed. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely fall under CWE-119, which deals with improper access to restricted areas, or potentially CWE-20, which addresses input validation issues, given that graphics processing often involves handling untrusted data from external sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across all affected Java versions and platforms, creating significant risk for organizations utilizing Java-based applications that employ 2D graphics functionality. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to achieve arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or denial of service conditions, depending on the specific vector used. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad as indicated in the CVE description, suggesting that attackers could potentially read sensitive information, modify data, or disrupt system operations through manipulation of the graphics processing subsystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Oracle security updates, which would contain the necessary fixes for the 2D graphics rendering component. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing for graphics libraries and rendering engines, as these components often receive less scrutiny than core system functions. Security monitoring should focus on unusual graphics processing patterns or memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactics involving privilege escalation and execution through application layer attacks, particularly when considering that many Java applications run with elevated privileges. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all Java installations are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple major Java versions and represents a persistent risk across different deployment scenarios.