CVE-2014-6466 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u81, 7u67, and 8u20, when running on Internet Explorer, allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6466 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE versions 6u81, 7u67, and 8u20 when executed in Internet Explorer environments. This issue falls under the broader category of deployment-related vulnerabilities that can have severe implications for system security and data integrity. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it suggests multiple potential pathways for exploitation that security teams must consider. The vulnerability specifically affects the Java deployment components that interact with Internet Explorer, creating a unique attack surface that leverages the integration between these two widely used software platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how Java handles deployment processes when operating within Internet Explorer's security context. This particular flaw allows local users to manipulate system resources in ways that compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously. The deployment mechanism in question likely involves the Java Plugin or Java Web Start functionality that enables Java applications to run within web browsers. When these components interact with Internet Explorer's security model, they create potential entry points that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability may involve improper validation of input parameters, insufficient sandboxing mechanisms, or flawed privilege escalation processes within the Java deployment framework.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely on Java applications within Internet Explorer environments. The ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously creates a comprehensive threat vector that can result in data breaches, system corruption, and service disruption. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability may gain access to sensitive information stored on the system, modify critical application components, or even cause system crashes that affect availability. The combination of these three security properties being compromised simultaneously indicates a severe vulnerability that could enable attackers to achieve complete system compromise. Organizations running affected Java versions in Internet Explorer environments face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could leverage this weakness for extended periods.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-6466 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest available releases from Oracle. System administrators must ensure that all affected systems are updated to Java SE 6u85, 7u71, or 8u25 and higher, which contain the necessary security fixes. The deployment of additional security controls such as browser security policies, Java security manager configurations, and network segmentation can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider disabling Java plugin execution in Internet Explorer where possible, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-119, which deals with improper restriction of operations within a limited access scope, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion. Regular security assessments and monitoring for suspicious Java-related activities should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about related attack patterns and emerging threats targeting similar deployment vulnerabilities.