CVE-2010-3559 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Sound component in Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 21, 5.0 Update 25, 1.4.2_27, and 1.3.1_28 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the October 2010 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from a reliable researcher that this involves an incorrect sign extension in the HeadspaceSoundbank.nGetName function, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted BANK record that leads to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3559 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java for Business platforms, specifically affecting multiple version branches including Java 6 Update 21, Java 5.0 Update 25, and older versions. This issue stems from an unspecified weakness in the Sound component that enables remote attackers to compromise system integrity across three fundamental security properties: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability was initially reported through Oracle's October 2010 Critical Patch Update, though the company did not provide specific details about the nature of the flaw. Security researchers later identified that the vulnerability manifests through an incorrect sign extension error within the HeadspaceSoundbank.nGetName function, which creates a dangerous condition for system exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow scenario that occurs when processing crafted BANK records within the Sound component. The incorrect sign extension in the HeadspaceSoundbank.nGetName function creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can manipulate memory boundaries, leading to unauthorized code execution. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of Buffer Overflow, specifically representing a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significantly enhanced by the fact that it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning attackers can potentially gain complete system control without requiring local privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations running affected Java versions, as it enables remote code execution through network-based attacks. The attack vector requires no authentication or local access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed. The impact extends beyond simple system compromise, as the vulnerability affects the fundamental security assurances of confidentiality and integrity, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify system behavior, or disrupt service availability. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and conduct further exploitation activities.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle Critical Patch Updates, which address the underlying buffer overflow and sign extension issues. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary Java applet execution in web browsers. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized Java code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing for multimedia components and highlights the critical need for regular security patch management in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within their Java-based applications and systems.