CVE-2019-10181 in IcedTea-Web
Summary
by MITRE
It was found that in icedtea-web up to and including 1.7.2 and 1.8.2 executable code could be injected in a JAR file without compromising the signature verification. An attacker could use this flaw to inject code in a trusted JAR. The code would be executed inside the sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10181 affects icedtea-web versions up to and including 1.7.2 and 1.8.2, representing a significant security flaw in the Java Web Start implementation that could allow attackers to bypass signature verification mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the JAR file processing capabilities within the icedtea-web framework, which is commonly used to execute Java applications from web sources. The flaw operates by permitting executable code injection into JAR files without breaking the existing digital signatures that are typically used to verify the integrity and authenticity of these archives.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of JAR file contents during signature verification processes. When a JAR file is signed, the signature verification mechanism should ensure that no unauthorized modifications have been made to the archive since it was signed. However, icedtea-web's implementation fails to properly validate the structure and contents of JAR files, allowing malicious code to be embedded within the archive while maintaining the appearance of a valid, signed package. This occurs because the verification process does not adequately check for unauthorized modifications to the JAR manifest or other structural elements that could contain malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to execute malicious code within the Java sandbox environment where trusted applications normally operate. This creates a scenario where attackers can inject harmful code into JAR files that users trust based on their digital signatures, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect against untrusted code execution. The sandboxed execution environment, while intended to provide protection, becomes compromised when legitimate-looking signed JAR files contain hidden malicious payloads that can perform actions such as data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or further attack propagation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457 which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and also relates to CWE-254 "Security Features" as it demonstrates weaknesses in the implementation of security mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as attackers can leverage the injected code to perform unauthorized operations. The attack vector typically involves delivering a malicious JAR file through web-based delivery mechanisms, where users unknowingly execute the signed archive, believing it to be legitimate due to its valid signature.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected icedtea-web installations to versions that properly address the JAR file signature verification process. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict JAR file downloads from untrusted sources, while maintaining strict access controls for Java Web Start applications. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potentially compromised JAR files that may have been distributed prior to patching, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized code injection attempts in their environments. Regular security updates and proper configuration management practices are essential to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.