CVE-2010-3569 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment component in Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 21, 5.0 Update 25, and 1.4.2_27 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 downstream vendor that this allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by causing the defaultReadObject method in the Serialization API to set a volatile field multiple times.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3569 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Java SE and Java for Business. This unspecified vulnerability exists within the core Java Runtime Environment component and has been classified as potentially allowing remote attackers to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The initial disclosure came from Oracle's October 2010 Critical Patch Update, though the company did not provide specific details about the nature of the vulnerability. Security researchers and downstream vendors have since identified that this vulnerability specifically relates to the Serialization API's defaultReadObject method, which creates a dangerous condition when processing serialized objects. The flaw allows for the manipulation of volatile fields within Java objects during deserialization, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the defaultReadObject method within Java's serialization framework. When a serialized object is deserialized, the defaultReadObject method is invoked to restore the object's state from the serialized data. In vulnerable versions of Java, this method does not properly validate or sanitize the data being read, allowing attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that can manipulate volatile fields multiple times during the deserialization process. This particular flaw enables attackers to potentially overwrite critical object state information in ways that could lead to unexpected behavior within the Java application. The vulnerability's designation as a serialization-related issue places it squarely within CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical security weakness. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely through network-based interactions with Java applications that process untrusted serialized data.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3569 extends far beyond simple data corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution within affected Java environments. When attackers can manipulate volatile fields during deserialization, they may be able to bypass security restrictions, modify application behavior, or even inject malicious code into running Java processes. This vulnerability affects Java applications that deserialize data from untrusted sources, which includes web applications, enterprise systems, and any software that accepts serialized input from external parties. The potential for remote code execution makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications often serve as critical infrastructure components. Organizations running vulnerable Java versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption, as attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Java versions including 6 Update 21, 5.0 Update 25, and 1.4.2_27 means that a broad range of systems could be affected, from legacy applications to newer enterprise deployments.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3569 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for Java environments. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the relevant security patches released by Oracle as part of their Critical Patch Update program, which would address the underlying serialization flaw in the defaultReadObject method. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications that process untrusted serialized data, particularly those exposed to external networks. Additionally, developers should review their applications for unsafe deserialization practices and implement proper input validation and sanitization measures when processing serialized objects. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though in this case the attack vector is more specifically related to Java deserialization rather than PowerShell execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual deserialization activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable Java versions within the organization's infrastructure.