CVE-2014-6591 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java SE component in Oracle Java SE 5.0u75, 6u85, 7u72, and 8u25 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to 2D, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-6585.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6591 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE versions 5.0u75, 6u85, 7u72, and 8u25, specifically affecting the 2D graphics component of the Java platform. This issue falls under the broader category of Java security vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely, potentially compromising system confidentiality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through unspecified attack vectors that are distinct from the related CVE-2014-6585, indicating a separate but equally dangerous weakness in the Java runtime environment. These Java versions, which were widely deployed across enterprise and consumer systems, created a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to exploit weaknesses in the graphics processing capabilities of the Java Virtual Machine.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies within the 2D graphics rendering subsystem of Java SE, which handles various graphical operations including rendering of images, shapes, and text elements. The unspecified vectors suggest that attackers could potentially manipulate the graphics processing functions to extract sensitive information or cause unauthorized data disclosure. This type of vulnerability typically arises from improper handling of graphics data structures, buffer overflows in graphics processing code, or insufficient validation of graphical inputs that could be manipulated by malicious actors. The 2D graphics component in Java SE is extensively used in applications ranging from web applets to desktop applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through multiple attack pathways including web browsers, Java applets, or standalone applications that utilize Java 2D graphics APIs.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6591 extends significantly across enterprise environments where Java SE is heavily deployed, particularly in corporate networks, web applications, and desktop computing environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to confidential data through the manipulation of graphics processing functions, potentially leading to information disclosure, system compromise, or further escalation attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with extensive Java deployments. Organizations using these vulnerable Java versions face potential risks including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and system integrity compromise, especially when applications are accessed through web browsers where Java applets are executed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6591 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Java SE versions to the latest available updates from Oracle, which would include the security fixes implemented in subsequent releases. System administrators should prioritize updating all Java installations to versions that have been patched against this vulnerability, particularly focusing on the affected versions mentioned in the CVE description. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable Java versions, while disabling Java applets in web browsers where possible. Additionally, monitoring and logging of Java-related activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper access to memory, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion through exploitation of application-level vulnerabilities.