CVE-2019-10245 in OpenJ9
Summary
by MITRE
In Eclipse OpenJ9 prior to the 0.14.0 release, the Java bytecode verifier incorrectly allows a method to execute past the end of bytecode array causing crashes. Eclipse OpenJ9 v0.14.0 correctly detects this case and rejects the attempted class load.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10245 affects Eclipse OpenJ9 versions prior to 0.14.0, representing a critical flaw in the Java bytecode verification process that could lead to system instability and potential security implications. This issue specifically targets the bytecode verifier component responsible for ensuring the integrity and safety of Java class files before execution. The flaw manifests when the verifier fails to properly validate the boundaries of bytecode arrays, allowing potentially malformed or malicious code to bypass verification checks and execute beyond the intended array limits.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from an insufficient boundary check within the bytecode verification logic of the OpenJ9 runtime environment. When processing class files, the verifier should strictly enforce that method execution remains within the confines of the declared bytecode array boundaries. However, in affected versions, this validation mechanism contained a gap that permitted execution to continue past the end of the bytecode array, resulting in memory access violations and subsequent system crashes. This behavior represents a classic buffer overread condition that can be exploited to cause denial of service or potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors depending on the execution context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running Eclipse OpenJ9 versions below 0.14.0, particularly in environments where Java applications are subject to untrusted input or where stability is paramount. The crash conditions resulting from this flaw can lead to application instability, service disruption, and potential data loss in mission-critical deployments. The impact extends beyond simple system crashes as the vulnerability could be leveraged in combination with other exploits to create more severe security implications. Organizations utilizing OpenJ9 in production environments must carefully assess their exposure and implement remediation measures promptly.
The fix implemented in Eclipse OpenJ9 version 0.14.0 addresses this vulnerability by strengthening the bytecode verification process to properly detect and reject class files that would cause execution to proceed beyond bytecode array boundaries. This remediation aligns with established security principles and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only properly validated bytecode can be executed within the JVM environment. The solution demonstrates proper input validation and boundary checking practices that are fundamental to preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to version 0.14.0 or later to eliminate this risk, as the vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers to cause system instability or in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives.
This vulnerability type falls under the CWE category of buffer overread conditions and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to system compromise through software exploitation. The remediation approach taken by the OpenJ9 team reflects industry best practices for addressing bytecode verification flaws and demonstrates the importance of continuous security testing and validation of runtime environments. The fix represents a defensive programming approach that prevents potentially dangerous execution paths while maintaining compatibility with legitimate Java applications.