CVE-2014-0458 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u71, 7u51, and 8, and Java SE Embedded 7u51, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via vectors related to JAX-WS, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-0452 and CVE-2014-2423.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0458 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, affecting versions 6u71, 7u51, and 8, along with Java SE Embedded 7u51. This vulnerability resides within the Java Architecture for XML Web Services JAX-WS implementation and constitutes a remote attack vector that can compromise the fundamental security properties of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates through a different attack surface than other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2014-0452 and CVE-2014-2423, indicating a broader class of issues within the JAX-WS framework that requires comprehensive analysis and remediation. The vulnerability's classification under the broader category of Java security flaws aligns with common weaknesses enumerated in the CWE database, specifically relating to improper input validation and weak security configurations in web services implementations. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows remote threat actors to exploit the JAX-WS components without requiring local access or authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and service disruption, as the vulnerability affects core Java runtime functionality that many enterprise applications depend upon for web service communication and integration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the JAX-WS components process incoming requests and handle XML data structures within the Java runtime environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw through carefully crafted malicious requests that exploit improper validation mechanisms within the web services stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact. This weakness in the JAX-WS implementation represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and input validation, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and manipulate the application's behavior. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Java versions indicates a fundamental issue within the platform's architecture rather than an isolated incident, suggesting that organizations running any of these affected versions require immediate attention to prevent exploitation. The specific technical details of how the JAX-WS components fail to properly validate or sanitize incoming data structures remains classified as a security concern, but the implications are clear in terms of the potential for unauthorized access and system compromise.
From an operational perspective, the exploitation of CVE-2014-0458 can result in severe consequences for organizations that rely on Java-based web services and enterprise applications. The vulnerability's potential to affect confidentiality means that sensitive data could be exposed to unauthorized parties, while the integrity implications suggest that attackers might be able to modify application behavior or data without detection. The availability impact can manifest as denial of service conditions that prevent legitimate users from accessing critical services or applications. Organizations using affected Java versions face a heightened risk of data breaches, system compromise, and operational disruption, particularly in environments where Java applications provide critical business functions. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement capabilities if exploited successfully. Security operations teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly in environments with exposed Java services or applications that communicate using web services protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0458 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations, with particular attention to the specific versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks, and consider disabling unnecessary web services functionality where possible. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual web service traffic patterns or attempts to access JAX-WS endpoints that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened, particularly for Java runtime environments that support web services functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as code signing verification and runtime application protection to provide defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts targeting this class of vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to prevent potential compatibility issues or service disruptions.