Severity: High

26 March, 2009
Summary: Severity: High

26 March, 2009
Summary: Exposure: Java is a programming language (first implemented by Sun Microsystems) used most often to enhance web pages. Most operating systems today implement a Java interpreter to recognize and process Java code from web sites and other sources. Sun’s Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is one of the most popular Java interpreters currently used.

Today, Secunia released a security alert warning of multiple vulnerabilities (around 16 total) that affect all previous versions of Sun JRE (as well as Sun Java SDK) running on Windows, Solaris and Linux platforms. While the vulnerabilities differ quite a bit technically, an attacker can exploit many of them in a similar manner — by enticing your users to a malicious web page containing specially crafted Java. In the worst case, if your users visit such a site, an attacker could leverage some of these Java flaws to execute attack code on your user’s computer. If your user has local administrative privileges, the attacker could potentially leverage these flaws to gain complete control of that user’s machine. Some of the remaining vulnerabilities allow an attacker to launch Denial of Service attacks or to elevate their privileges on your users’ computer.

If you run a Solaris or Linux network, you probably know whether or not you use Sun JRE (in most cases, you do). However, if you manage a Windows network your status is less clear. In the past, Windows shipped with Microsoft’s own Java interpreter, called Java Virtual Machine (MSJVM). Since earlier editions of IE use MSJVM to interpret Java applets, most Windows users who browse with IE aren’t vulnerable to this flaw. Because of a legal conflict with Sun, Microsoft had to discontinue the use of MSJVM in its most recent versions of Windows. For instance, MSJVM doesn’t ship with Windows Server 2003 or versions of Windows XP that come prepackaged with SP1a or SP2 (XP users who upgraded to SP1 or SP2 on their own retain MSJVM). These newer Windows releases require that you download your own Java interpreter; in which case, you probably have Sun JRE and need to update as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure what your version of IE uses to interpret Java, there’s an easy way to find out. In IE, click on Tools => Internet Options => Advanced tab. Scroll down to the Microsoft VM section and check “Java console enabled.” Restart IE and then click View => Java Console. A window opens which displays the name and version number of the Java interpreter your IE browser uses. If you’re not using Sun JRE, the vulnerability doesn’t affect you.

Solution Path:
Sun has released various JRE and SDK updates to correct these issues. If you use Sun JRE in your network, download and deploy the appropriate updates as soon as possible: For All WatchGuard Users:
Some of WatchGuard’s Firebox models allow you to prevent your users from downloading Java applets from web sites. However, doing so also cripples legitimate web sites using Java applets. If you do not want to block Java applets, download the appropriate Sun JRE updates as soon as possible. Furthermore, blocking Java applets may mitigate the risk of some of these vulnerabilities, but not all of them. Sun’s update is the best solution.

To learn how to use your Firebox’s HTTP proxy to block Java applets, see the “Deny Java Applets” section of the HTTP Proxy Advanced FAQ.

Status:
Sun has issued updates to correct these issues.

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