CVE-2014-2401 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8; JavaFX 2.2.51; and Java SE Embedded 7u51 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to 2D.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2401 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JavaFX platforms affecting multiple versions including Java SE 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, alongside JavaFX 2.2.51 and Java SE Embedded 7u51. This issue resides within the 2D graphics rendering subsystem and allows remote attackers to compromise confidentiality through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified means that the exact technical mechanisms enabling the exploit were not fully detailed in the initial disclosure, creating uncertainty for security professionals attempting to assess risk. The 2D graphics functionality in Java SE is extensively used for rendering graphical user interfaces, charts, and various visual components in applications, making this a potentially widespread concern across numerous software implementations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how Java SE handles 2D graphics operations, specifically within the rendering pipeline that processes graphical elements. When applications utilize Java's 2D graphics capabilities, they interact with underlying system resources and memory structures that may not properly validate or sanitize input data. This flaw likely involves improper handling of graphics data structures, memory management issues, or buffer overflow conditions that could be exploited through maliciously crafted graphics content. The vulnerability's impact on confidentiality suggests that an attacker might be able to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially accessing data that should be isolated from user applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where Java-based applications are extensively deployed, particularly in scenarios involving web applications, desktop applications, and embedded systems. The remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for applications accessible over networks. The impact on confidentiality could potentially expose sensitive data including user credentials, application data, or system information that resides in memory areas accessed during 2D graphics rendering operations. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized information disclosure, and possible further exploitation leading to complete system compromise. The widespread use of Java SE across various platforms and applications amplifies the potential attack surface for this vulnerability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-2401 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations with the latest Oracle security updates, particularly focusing on the specific versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks or users. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate any applications running vulnerable Java versions, with particular attention to web applications and those handling sensitive data. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts is recommended. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Java applets or applications to known good software only, reducing the attack surface for this type of vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory management and buffer handling, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through memory corruption vulnerabilities.