CVE-2008-3115 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Secure Static Versioning in Sun Java JDK and JRE 6 Update 6 and earlier, and 5.0 Update 6 through 15, does not properly prevent execution of applets on older JRE releases, which might allow remote attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in these older releases.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3115 represents a critical security flaw in the Sun Java JDK and JRE versions up to and including update 6 for version 6 and updates 6 through 15 for version 5.0. This issue specifically targets the secure static versioning mechanism that was designed to prevent applet execution across different Java Runtime Environment versions. The flaw allows attackers to bypass intended security restrictions and execute malicious code on systems running older Java versions. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of versioning parameters that should have prevented applet execution when the target system's Java version was older than what was specified in the security policies. This creates a dangerous scenario where an attacker can force execution of code designed for newer Java versions on legacy systems that lack the necessary security patches. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based applet delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where older Java installations may still be present.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed implementation of the secure static versioning feature within the Java Runtime Environment. When a Java applet is loaded, the system should verify that the executing environment meets the minimum security requirements specified by the applet. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate version checking mechanisms, effectively bypassing these security controls. This flaw specifically affects the way Java handles version compatibility and security policy enforcement, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution. The issue manifests when the Java security manager fails to properly validate version parameters during applet loading, allowing execution contexts that should be restricted to proceed with potentially malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3115 is significant for organizations maintaining legacy Java installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to exploit known security flaws present in older Java versions that have already been patched in newer releases. This creates a scenario where even systems that have been updated to newer Java versions can be compromised through the execution of malicious applets that bypass version checking. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Java applets are still in use for internal applications, and where patch management policies may not have updated older systems. Organizations with outdated Java installations become vulnerable to attacks that could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within networks. The exploitability of this vulnerability increases when organizations have systems running Java versions 5.0 update 6 through 15 or Java 6 update 6 and earlier, which may contain other unpatched vulnerabilities that can be leveraged once the version bypass is achieved.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3115 require immediate action to update all Java installations to versions that address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies that ensure all Java Runtime Environments are updated to the latest secure versions. The recommended approach includes disabling Java applet execution entirely where possible, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to Java-enabled applications can help limit potential exploitation. Security administrators should also consider deploying Java sandboxing mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious applet behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in security mechanisms can create significant risks. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently executing malicious applets, as social engineering remains a common attack vector for Java-based exploits. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify any remaining legacy Java installations that may be vulnerable to similar issues.