Oracle Java Zero-Day Vulnerability
Number: AL13-001
Date: 11 January 2013
Purpose
The purpose of this Alert is to raise awareness of a vulnerability in Java 7 Update 10 and earlier versions that could allow unauthenticated remote code execution.
Assessment
CCIRC is aware of an Oracle Java vulnerability affecting Oracle Java 7 Update 10 and earlier versions. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to run arbitrary code which is currently being exploited in the wild.
There is currently no patch available from the vendor.
CVE Reference: CVE-2013-0422
Suggested action
CCIRC recommends that organizations review and test the following workaround in the context of their network environment prior to deployment to help mitigate the associated risk:
- Disable Java in web browsers.
Note: Since version 7 update 10 of Java, it is possible to prevent the execution of Java applications in navigation software from the Java control panel using the "Adjusting the level of Java client safety" (See references below).
References:
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/625617
http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2013-0422
http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/technotes/guides/jweb/client-security.html#disable
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml
Note to Readers
The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) operates within Public Safety Canada, and works with partners inside and outside Canada to mitigate cyber threats to vital networks outside the federal government. These include systems that keep Canada's critical infrastructure functioning properly, such as the electrical grid and financial networks, or contain valuable commercial information that underpins our economic prosperity. CCIRC supports the owners and operators of systems of national importance, including critical infrastructure, and is responsible for coordinating the national response to any serious cyber security incident.
For general information, please contact Public Safety Canada's Public Affairs division at:
Telephone: 613-944-4875 or 1-800-830-3118
Fax: 613-998-9589
E-mail: communications@ps-sp.gc.ca