CVE-2010-2397 in Java System Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Sun Java System Application Server 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2; and GlassFish Enterprise Server 2.1.1; allows local users to affect confidentiality and integrity, related to the GUI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2397 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Sun Java System Application Server versions 8.0 through 8.2 and GlassFish Enterprise Server 2.1.1, specifically impacting the graphical user interface component. This unspecified weakness creates a potential attack vector that enables local users to compromise both the confidentiality and integrity of the affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these servers are commonly deployed. The vulnerability's classification as local indicates that exploitation requires physical or logical access to the target system, but the implications extend far beyond simple privilege escalation scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the GUI subsystem of these application servers, which likely involves insufficient input validation, improper access controls, or flawed authentication mechanisms within the graphical interface components. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability could be categorized under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) or CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) given its impact on both confidentiality and integrity. The GUI interface typically serves as a management portal for administrators to configure and monitor server operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to manipulate server configurations or extract sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as local attackers could potentially modify server configurations, inject malicious code, or manipulate administrative functions through the GUI interface. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where the application server manages critical business applications and services. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Oracle's server software indicates a systemic issue within the GUI implementation that affects a broad range of deployments, potentially exposing thousands of systems worldwide to similar risks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, modify server behavior, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from Oracle, restricting local access to administrative interfaces, implementing network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, and conducting thorough security audits of all affected systems. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1068 (Local Port Forwarding) and T1543 (Create or Modify System Process) as attackers might leverage the GUI access to establish persistent backdoors or modify system processes. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for GUI interfaces, disabling unnecessary administrative functions, and monitoring GUI access logs can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation attempts.