TippingPoint Zero Day Initiative
 

Sun Java Web Start Arbitrary Command Execution Vulnerability

ZDI-09-077: November 4th, 2009

CVE ID

Affected Vendors

Affected Products

TippingPoint™ IPS Customer Protection

TippingPoint IPS customers are protected against this vulnerability by Digital Vaccine protection filter ID 9241. For further product information on the TippingPoint IPS:

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Sun Java WebStart. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists in the implementation of security model permissions during the removal of installer extensions. By modifying an existing installer extension JNLP file, a condition occurs that allows for code supplied by a different URL than the original installer extension URL to run as a secure applet. This condition can result in arbitrary command injection under the privileges of the currently logged in user.

Vendor Response

Sun Microsystems has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:

Disclosure Timeline

    2009-08-17 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
    2009-11-04 - Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit

This vulnerability was discovered by:
    Peter Csepely