CVE-2010-0840 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment component in Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 18, 5.0 Update 23, and 1.4.2_25 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the March 2010 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from a reliable researcher that this is related to improper checks when executing privileged methods in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) an untrusted object that extends the trusted class but has not modified a certain method, or (2) "a similar trust issue with interfaces," aka "Trusted Methods Chaining Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The CVE-2010-0840 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java Runtime Environment that emerged from the March 2010 Critical Patch Update. This vulnerability resides within the Java SE and Java for Business versions 6 Update 18, 5.0 Update 23, and 1.4.2_25, affecting the core Java Runtime Environment component. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms when executing privileged methods, creating a pathway for attackers to compromise system security through unspecified attack vectors that can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically relating to improper access control during method execution within the security context of Java applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits trust relationships within the Java security model through what researchers have termed "Trusted Methods Chaining Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing untrusted objects that extend trusted classes without properly overriding specific methods, creating a chain of trust that bypasses normal security boundaries. Additionally, the vulnerability manifests through similar trust issues with interfaces, where attackers can manipulate interface implementations to achieve privilege escalation. This technique allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively breaking down the security sandbox that Java applications normally operate within, and enabling complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0840 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture of Java applications and systems running vulnerable versions. Organizations utilizing affected Java versions face potential complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously creates cascading security failures that can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and system-wide disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and maintain control over compromised systems without detection, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Java applications serve as critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0840 require immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest security updates provided by Oracle, as this vulnerability has been addressed through subsequent releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks and employ application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized Java code. System administrators must disable unnecessary Java applets and browser plugins, particularly in environments where users have elevated privileges. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for suspicious Java process activity, and maintaining updated security software to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Java indicates that attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistence through Java-based malicious payloads, making comprehensive security monitoring essential for early detection and response.