CVE-2014-2421 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, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and JavaFX implementations, specifically affecting versions 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, alongside JavaFX 2.2.51 and Java SE Embedded 7u51. The flaw operates within the 2D graphics rendering subsystem, which represents a critical component in Java applications that handle graphical user interfaces and visual data processing. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vector indicates that attackers can exploit multiple pathways through the 2D graphics handling mechanisms, potentially compromising the entire Java runtime environment through carefully crafted graphical content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the 2D graphics rendering engine, which processes graphical operations and visual elements within Java applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness by delivering malicious content that triggers specific 2D rendering operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the Java virtual machine context. The vulnerability affects the fundamental graphics processing capabilities that Java applications rely upon for displaying visual content, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard graphical operations without requiring special privileges or direct system access.
The operational impact spans all three core security principles as defined by the CIA triad, making this vulnerability particularly severe. Confidentiality breaches can occur when attackers exploit the 2D graphics subsystem to access sensitive data through memory corruption or information disclosure mechanisms. Integrity compromises may result from attackers manipulating the graphics rendering process to alter application behavior or inject malicious code into legitimate applications. Availability is threatened when the vulnerability can be exploited to cause denial-of-service conditions through system crashes or resource exhaustion during graphics processing operations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and buffer overflows, and potentially relates to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes in memory operations. The attack surface extends to the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, specifically targeting application layer execution through the Java runtime environment. Organizations utilizing Java-based applications and services face significant risk, particularly those running unpatched versions of the affected software. The vulnerability's presence in both desktop and embedded Java implementations indicates the broad scope of potential impact across various deployment scenarios, from enterprise applications to embedded systems.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Oracle Java SE and JavaFX versions, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applet execution and implementing strict content filtering mechanisms for graphical content processing. The implementation of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional protective layers, while continuous monitoring for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and system logs becomes essential for early detection of potential attacks targeting this vulnerability.