OCS ADVISORY NUMBER:
2013-023

DATE(S) ISSUED:
03/01/2013

SUBJECT:
Vulnerability in Oracle Java Runtime Environment Could Allow Remote Code Execution

OVERVIEW:

A vulnerability has been discovered in Oracle Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that can lead to remote code execution. The Java Runtime Environment is used to enhance the user experience when visiting websites and is installed on most desktops and servers. This zero-day vulnerability may be exploited if a user visits or is redirected to a specifically crafted web page. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the JRE application. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the application, and bypass security restrictions.

It should be noted that this vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Oracle JRE 1.6.0 Update 41 and earlier
• Oracle JRE 1.7.0 Update 15 and earlier

RISK:
Government:

• Large and medium government entities: High
• Small government entities: High

Businesses:

• Large and medium business entities: High
• Small business entities: High

Home users: High

DESCRIPTION:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Oracle Java Runtime Environment that can lead to remote code execution. In order to exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must first create a web page with a specially crafted applet designed to leverage this issue. When the web page is visited, the attacker-supplied code is run in the context of the affected application.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the JRE application. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the application, and bypass security restrictions.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Once the patch becomes available and after appropriate testing, apply the patch from Oracle immediately.
• Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
• Remind users not to open e-mail attachments from unknown users or suspicious e-mails from trusted sources.

REFERENCES:
FireEye:
http://blog.fireeye.com/research/2013/02/yaj0-yet-another-java-zero-day-2.html

CVE:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2013-1493

Security Focus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/58238

Information Week:
http://www.informationweek.com/security/vulnerabilities/zero-day-java-vulnerability-allows-mcrat/240149816

ThreatPost:
http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/java-zero-day-procession-continues-030113