CVE-2014-0451 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, and Java SE Embedded 7u51, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to AWT, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2412.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0451 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms affecting multiple version ranges including Java 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, alongside Java SE Embedded 7u51. This vulnerability operates within the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component of the Java platform, which serves as the primary GUI toolkit for Java applications. The AWT subsystem handles graphical user interface elements, event processing, and window management, making it a critical component for Java applications that require visual interfaces. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though it is categorized as a separate issue from CVE-2014-2412, suggesting a distinct attack surface within the Java runtime environment.
The technical flaw manifests within the AWT subsystem's handling of graphical objects and user interface components, potentially allowing remote attackers to exploit memory corruption issues or improper input validation within the GUI rendering pipeline. This vulnerability type falls under the CWE-119 category of "Improper Access to Memory Location" and may involve buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory safety issues that occur when AWT components process untrusted input or graphical data. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious data to a Java application that utilizes AWT components, potentially through network connections, file processing, or other input mechanisms that trigger the vulnerable code path. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0451 extends across multiple attack surfaces including web applications, desktop applications, and server-side Java implementations that rely on AWT for graphical functionality. Remote attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the target environment and attack scenario. The vulnerability affects both client-side applications and server environments, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input through Java-based components. Organizations running Java applications that utilize AWT for GUI components face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, network services, or any application that processes untrusted graphical data through the affected Java runtime components. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad are all compromised through this vulnerability, enabling attackers to access sensitive information, modify system data, or disrupt service availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0451 require immediate patching of affected Java installations, as Oracle released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, disable unnecessary AWT functionality where possible, and employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted Java applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns or unexpected Java process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling Java plugin support in web browsers and implementing strict access controls for Java application environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date Java runtime environments and implementing comprehensive security practices for all Java-based applications, particularly those that handle user input through graphical interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential exposure to similar vulnerabilities within the Java ecosystem, as this represents a broader class of issues affecting the AWT subsystem in Java platforms.