CVE-2019-10182 in IcedTea-Web
Summary
by MITRE
It was found that icedtea-web though 1.7.2 and 1.8.2 did not properly sanitize paths from <jar/> elements in JNLP files. An attacker could trick a victim into running a specially crafted application and use this flaw to upload arbitrary files to arbitrary locations in the context of the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10182 affects IcedTea-Web versions through 1.7.2 and 1.8.2, representing a critical path traversal and arbitrary file upload flaw within Java Network Launch Protocol processing. This vulnerability resides in the manner IcedTea-Web handles path specifications within <jar/> elements of JNLP files, which are used to launch java applications over networks. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation of file paths, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted JNLP files can manipulate the application's file system operations.
The technical flaw manifests when IcedTea-Web processes JNLP files containing <jar/> elements with specially crafted path attributes. These paths are not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file system operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended file locations. The vulnerability specifically targets the path resolution mechanism within the Java Web Start framework, where the application's security model is bypassed through malformed path specifications. This weakness enables an attacker to construct JNLP files that can cause the application to write files to arbitrary locations on the victim's system, effectively circumventing local file system access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows for arbitrary file upload capabilities within the context of the user running IcedTea-Web. An attacker can craft malicious JNLP files that, when executed by a victim, will upload and execute arbitrary files on the target system. This creates a potential for privilege escalation, as the uploaded files will execute with the privileges of the user running IcedTea-Web. The attack vector typically involves social engineering to trick victims into opening malicious JNLP files, often delivered through phishing emails or compromised websites. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate application launch mechanism into a potential attack platform for file system manipulation.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal in JNLP processing, both classified under the broader category of improper input validation. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving execution through file system access and privilege escalation. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization in web application contexts, where user-supplied data is directly processed without proper validation or encoding. Organizations using IcedTea-Web are particularly vulnerable as the flaw affects a core component of Java Web Start functionality, making it difficult to isolate and remediate without comprehensive application updates.
Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of IcedTea-Web installations to versions 1.7.3 or 1.8.3 which contain the necessary path sanitization fixes. System administrators should implement strict JNLP file validation policies and consider sandboxing Java Web Start applications to limit their file system access. Network-level controls such as content filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent the delivery of malicious JNLP files. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown JNLP files and the importance of verifying application sources remains critical. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which JNLP applications can be executed, reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities.