External risk intelligence

Java Runtime Environment Integrity Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-2423

An unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) affects system integrity. Attackers could potentially modify data or system configurations, posing a business risk. This vulnerability is listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

3Halo Surface Signal

Oracle Jre

1.7.012.1012.3

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-2423

This vulnerability affects the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Historically, JRE vulnerabilities often leveraged browser-based plugins or client-side execution contexts, which require user interaction and are not typically exposed as direct internet-facing services. While network-reachable in some deployments, it is not a standard internet-facing web application or edge gateway service by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK is affected by an unspecified vulnerability. This flaw could allow remote attackers to compromise the integrity of systems. The potential business impact centers on the unauthorized modification of data or system configurations.

  • Vulnerable component: Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
  • Core weakness: Unspecified flaw in HotSpot
  • Main business impact: Data integrity compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability resides within the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) HotSpot component. An attacker could leverage unknown methods to alter system integrity. This could lead to unauthorized modifications of data or system configurations, impacting business operations.

  • Exposed JRE component
  • Attacker triggers via unknown vectors
  • Integrity is affected

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) could allow attackers to modify public fields, potentially disabling security measures. While the exact impact is unclear, it is listed in a catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities, suggesting a real-world threat. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that active exploitation has been observed. Organizations should treat this as a high-priority issue.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Remote access, no special conditions.
  • High business risk, urgent attention.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component could allow remote attackers to impact system integrity through unknown vectors affecting HotSpot. This vulnerability may enable unauthorized modification of public fields, potentially bypassing security manager permissions. Organizations should prioritize understanding their exposure and mitigating risks associated with this vulnerability.

  • Identify all JRE assets.
  • Reduce JRE exposure where possible.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Java Runtime Environment (JRE)?

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a core component of Oracle Java SE and OpenJDK. It's what allows Java applications to run on your computer. The JRE includes the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), essential class libraries, and other components.

What kind of vulnerability does CVE-2013-2423 describe?

CVE-2013-2423 is an unspecified vulnerability in the HotSpot component of the JRE. The catalog indicates this is a CWE-284, improper access control, meaning it relates to how the software manages permissions and access.

How can an attacker exploit this JRE vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered via unknown methods, and it does not require the attacker to have any special access or conditions beyond remote access. The draft indicates that modifications to public final fields are possible.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2013-2423?

Organizations running affected versions of Oracle Java SE or OpenJDK should be concerned. The Halo Surface Signal classifies this as 'Possible' exposure, suggesting it's not a typical internet-facing service but could be accessible in certain network configurations.

What should I do if I'm running the affected JRE?

The first steps recommended are to identify all JRE assets within your organization, reduce its exposure where possible, and apply any available vendor fixes. Monitoring for related security incidents is also advised.

References