[ GLSA 200411-38 ] Sun and Blackdown Java: Applet privilege escalation

[GLSA]

Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Title: Sun and Blackdown Java: Applet privilege escalation (GLSA 200411-38)
Severity: normal
Exploitable: remote
Date: November 29, 2004
Updated: May 31, 2006
Bug(s): #72172, #72221
ID: 200411-38

Synopsis


The Java plug-in security in Sun and Blackdown Java environments can be
bypassed to access arbitrary packages, allowing untrusted Java applets to
perform unrestricted actions on the host system.


Background


Sun and Blackdown both provide implementations of Java Development Kits
(JDK) and Java Runtime Environments (JRE). All these implementations
provide a Java plug-in that can be used to execute Java applets in a
restricted environment for web browsers.


Affected Packages

Package: dev-java/sun-jdk
Vulnerable: < 1.4.2.06
Unaffected: >= 1.4.2.06
Architectures: x86 amd64

Package: dev-java/sun-jre-bin
Vulnerable: < 1.4.2.06
Unaffected: >= 1.4.2.06
Architectures: x86 amd64

Package: dev-java/blackdown-jdk
Vulnerable: < 1.4.2.01
Unaffected: >= 1.4.2.01
Architectures: x86 amd64

Package: dev-java/blackdown-jre
Vulnerable: < 1.4.2.01
Unaffected: >= 1.4.2.01
Architectures: x86 amd64


Description


All Java plug-ins are subject to a vulnerability allowing unrestricted
Java package access.


Impact


A remote attacker could embed a malicious Java applet in a web page and
entice a victim to view it. This applet can then bypass security
restrictions and execute any command or access any file with the rights
of the user running the web browser.


Workaround


As a workaround you could disable Java applets on your web browser.


Resolution


All Sun JDK users should upgrade to the latest version: