From Zone H.org:
08/04/2004

Sun Alert ID: 57613
Synopsis: Java Runtime Environment May Allow Untrusted Applets to Escalate Privileges
Category: Security
Product: Java JRE/SDK
BugIDs: 5020333, 4954066
Avoidance: Upgrade
State: Resolved
Date Released: 02-Aug-2004
Date Closed: 02-Aug-2004
Date Modified:


1. Impact

The XSLT processor included with the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) may allow an untrusted applet to read data from another applet that is processed using the XSLT processor and may allow the untrusted applet to escalate privileges.

Sun acknowledges, with thanks, Marc Schoenefeld for bringing these issues to our attention.


2. Contributing Factors

These issues can occur in the following releases:

Windows Production Releases
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_04 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.1_07 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.0_04 or earlier

Solaris Operating Environment Production Releases
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_04 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.1_07 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.0_04 or earlier

Linux Production Releases
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_04 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.1_07 or earlier
SDK and JRE 1.4.0_04 or earlier

Note: SDK and JRE releases for Windows, Solaris and Linux prior to 1.4.0 are not affected by these issues.

To determine the release of a Java installation, run the "java" command with the "-fullversion" option:

$ java -fullversion
java full version "1.4.2_04-b03"


3. Symptoms

There are no reliable symptoms that would show the described issues have been exploited.


4. Relief/Workaround

There is no workaround. Please see the "Resolution" section below.


5. Resolution

These issues are addressed in the following releases:

Windows Production Release
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_05 or later

Solaris Operating Environment Production Release
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_05 or later

Linux Production Release
SDK and JRE 1.4.2_05 or later

Note: SDK and JRE releases are available at: http://java.sun.com/j2se/

This Sun Alert notification is being provided to you on an "AS IS" basis. This Sun Alert notification may contain information provided by third parties. The issues described in this Sun Alert notification may or may not impact your system(s). Sun makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees as to the information contained herein. ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. BY ACCESSING THIS DOCUMENT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SUN SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT ARISE OUT OF YOUR USE OR FAILURE TO USE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. This Sun Alert notification contains Sun proprietary and confidential information. It is being provided to you pursuant to the provisions of your agreement to purchase services from Sun, or, if you do not have such an agreement, the Sun.com Terms of Use. This Sun Alert notification may only be used for the purposes contemplated by these agreements.

Copyright 2000-2004 Sun Microsystems, Inc., 4150 Network Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A. All rights reserved.
Here's a little more information.