CVE-2014-3065 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in IBM Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 R1 before SR2 (7.1.2.0), 7 before SR8 (7.0.8.0), 6 R1 before SR8 FP2 (6.1.8.2), 6 before SR16 FP2 (6.0.16.2), and before SR16 FP8 (5.0.16.8) allows local users to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to the shared classes cache.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3065 represents a critical security flaw within IBM Java Runtime Environment implementations across multiple versions. This weakness resides in the shared classes cache functionality, which is designed to improve application performance by caching compiled class files in memory. The vulnerability affects IBM JRE versions 7.1.2.0 and earlier, 7.0.8.0 and earlier, 6.1.8.2 and earlier, 6.0.16.2 and earlier, and 5.0.16.8 and earlier, creating a substantial attack surface for local adversaries seeking to escalate privileges or execute unauthorized code.
The technical flaw exploits the shared classes cache mechanism to allow local users to execute arbitrary code through unspecified vectors related to how cached class files are managed and accessed. The shared classes cache feature in IBM JREs operates by storing pre-compiled class files in a shared memory space to reduce startup time and memory consumption. However, this implementation contains a security gap that permits malicious code injection or manipulation of cached class files, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions and execute code with the privileges of the Java runtime process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running affected IBM JRE versions, particularly in enterprise environments where Java applications are prevalent. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to gain elevated system access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it may enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or access sensitive data stored within applications that rely on the vulnerable JRE implementation. This vulnerability particularly affects server environments where multiple Java applications may be running simultaneously, amplifying the potential attack surface.
Organizations should immediately apply the relevant IBM security patches and updates to address this vulnerability, as the affected versions have known security gaps that can be exploited without requiring special privileges. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive patch management procedures and vulnerability scanning to identify systems running vulnerable JRE versions. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and monitoring access to shared classes cache directories can help reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, representing an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution, and corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual shared classes cache activity as part of their defensive measures against this specific vulnerability.