CVE-2010-0841 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the ImageIO 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 an integer overflow in the Java Runtime Environment that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a JPEG image that contains subsample dimensions with large values, related to JPEGImageReader and "stepX".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0841 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java for Business versions 6 Update 18, 5.0 Update 23, and 1.4.2_25. This issue resides within the ImageIO component, specifically affecting how the Java Runtime Environment processes JPEG image files. The vulnerability was initially disclosed through Oracle's quarterly vulnerability update cycle in March 2010, though subsequent analysis revealed more severe implications than initially indicated. Security researchers have confirmed that this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs during JPEG image processing, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when processing JPEG images containing subsample dimensions with unusually large values, particularly affecting the JPEGImageReader class and its handling of "stepX" parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The flaw occurs during the parsing of JPEG image metadata, specifically when the Java Runtime Environment attempts to process subsample dimensions that exceed normal parameter boundaries. When maliciously crafted JPEG files contain oversized subsample values, the integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate insufficient memory or execute operations with invalid parameters. This particular vulnerability operates at the intersection of image processing libraries and memory management within the Java Virtual Machine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard image loading operations without requiring special privileges or user interaction beyond viewing the image.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Java-based applications that process user-uploaded images or display images from untrusted sources. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could potentially compromise entire systems simply by uploading or viewing a specially crafted JPEG file. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers could not only execute arbitrary code but also potentially access sensitive data, modify system files, or disrupt system availability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because JPEG images are ubiquitous on the internet, making this vulnerability easily exploitable through web applications, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. Network-based attacks could be executed without requiring user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where image processing is common.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0841 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions from Oracle. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures that include regular security updates and testing protocols before deployment. Additionally, network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can be configured to block or scan JPEG image uploads and downloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution, and demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations and restricting Java applet execution in web browsers to minimize potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual image processing activities and memory allocation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of addressing image processing libraries in security assessments, as these components often receive less scrutiny despite their potential for significant exploitation.