CVE-2010-4438 in Java System Message Queue
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle GlassFish 2.1, 2.1.1, and 3.0.1, and Java System Message Queue 4.1 allows local users to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability, related to Java Message Service (JMS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
This vulnerability resides within Oracle GlassFish application server versions 2.1, 2.1.1, and 3.0.1, alongside Java System Message Queue 4.1, where an unspecified flaw exists in the Java Message Service component that enables local attackers to compromise system security properties. The vulnerability specifically targets the JMS implementation within these messaging systems, creating potential risks to data confidentiality, system integrity, and service availability. Such a weakness represents a significant concern for enterprise environments that rely on these platforms for mission-critical messaging infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient security controls within the JMS subsystem, allowing local users to exploit mechanisms that should remain protected from unauthorized access. Attackers with local system access can potentially manipulate message queues, intercept communications, modify message content, or disrupt message processing flows that are fundamental to enterprise messaging architectures. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control issues, where inadequate permissions or security boundaries permit unauthorized operations within the system.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass full system availability risks. Local attackers could potentially cause denial of service conditions by corrupting message queues or manipulating the JMS infrastructure to prevent legitimate message processing. The confidentiality aspect becomes particularly concerning when considering that message queues often contain sensitive business data, authentication tokens, or proprietary information that flows through enterprise networks. This vulnerability represents a classic privilege escalation risk within application server environments, where local access can be leveraged to gain broader system control.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects widely deployed enterprise platforms including GlassFish 2.1 and 3.0.1, which were commonly used for enterprise application deployment, and Java System Message Queue 4.1, which serves as messaging infrastructure for distributed applications. Organizations running these versions face potential exploitation scenarios where local users with minimal privileges could gain access to critical messaging infrastructure. This vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to privilege escalation techniques and defense evasion methods, as attackers could manipulate message processing to avoid detection while maintaining persistent access to messaging systems. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper access controls, and comprehensive monitoring of messaging infrastructure for unauthorized modifications. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit local access privileges and implement robust logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.