CVE-2015-0459 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u81, 6u91, 7u76, and 8u40, and JavaFX 2.2.76, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-0491.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and JavaFX implementations, specifically affecting versions 5.0u81, 6u91, 7u76, and 8u40 along with JavaFX 2.2.76. The issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability within the 2D graphics rendering subsystem, representing a critical security gap that enables remote exploitation. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems through unknown attack vectors related to 2D graphics processing. This represents a significant concern as Java SE applications are widely deployed across enterprise environments and desktop systems, making the potential attack surface extensive. The vulnerability's classification as a 2D graphics related issue indicates that it likely involves memory corruption or improper input validation within the Java 2D graphics rendering pipeline, which could be exploited through maliciously crafted graphics content or manipulated Java applets.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of 2D graphics operations within the Java runtime environment, where attackers can potentially manipulate graphics rendering components to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This type of vulnerability typically involves buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or memory corruption issues that occur during graphics processing operations. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation paths may exist, potentially including manipulation of graphics parameters, malformed image data, or specific rendering sequences that trigger the underlying memory corruption. The vulnerability operates at the core Java runtime level, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise without requiring additional privileges or user interaction. The attack surface extends beyond simple applet execution to include any Java application that utilizes 2D graphics rendering capabilities, including web applications, desktop applications, and enterprise software deployments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the target environment. The confidentiality aspect is compromised through potential data access and theft, while integrity is affected through unauthorized modifications to system files, configurations, or application data. Availability is threatened through potential denial of service attacks that could crash Java applications or entire systems. The vulnerability affects multiple Java versions simultaneously, amplifying the potential impact across different deployment scenarios and making remediation efforts more complex. Organizations running legacy Java applications or those that have not updated to patched versions remain at significant risk, particularly in enterprise environments where Java applications are extensively used for business-critical functions. The vulnerability's presence in JavaFX 2.2.76 indicates that rich internet applications and desktop applications with JavaFX components are also at risk.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java versions to the latest Oracle security updates, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the 2D graphics rendering vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit Java execution environments and disable unnecessary Java applet functionality in web browsers. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Java applications with minimal required permissions and utilizing sandboxing techniques to contain potential exploits. Regular security assessments should include comprehensive Java runtime environment auditing to identify and remediate outdated or unpatched installations. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted Java applications, particularly those that utilize 2D graphics rendering capabilities. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious Java-related activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which deals with improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through exploitation of runtime vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions specifically designed to monitor for Java exploit patterns and anomalous graphics rendering behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts.