CVE-2010-4447 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 23 and earlier, 5.0 Update 27 and earlier, and 1.4.2_29 and earlier allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4447 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE and Java for Business. This issue specifically targets the deployment components of the JRE, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to compromise system confidentiality. The vulnerability manifests in Java Web Start applications and applets that originate from untrusted sources, highlighting the inherent risks associated with executing unsigned code within the Java sandbox environment. The unspecified nature of the exact vector means that attackers could potentially exploit various aspects of the deployment mechanism to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical foundation of this vulnerability lies within the Java deployment framework's handling of untrusted code execution. When Java Web Start applications or applets are launched from untrusted sources, the deployment component fails to properly validate or isolate these potentially malicious code segments. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to bypass standard security boundaries that should normally protect against unauthorized data access. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the Java security architecture, where the distinction between trusted and untrusted code becomes compromised during the deployment phase. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the Java platform's security model, particularly concerning privilege escalation and access control bypass mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4447 extends beyond simple confidentiality breaches, as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise systems. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential exposure to data theft, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage compromised applets or Web Start applications from external sources without requiring physical access to target systems. This characteristic places organizations at risk from phishing attacks, malicious websites, and social engineering campaigns that deliver compromised Java content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers can leverage the deployment component to execute malicious code with elevated privileges while potentially bypassing security monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4447 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to address the underlying Java security weaknesses. The most effective approach involves updating to patched versions of Java SE and Java for Business, specifically versions that include fixes for the deployment component vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement strict Java security policies that disable untrusted applets and Web Start applications, particularly those originating from external sources. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and web application firewalls can help prevent access to known malicious domains that might deliver compromised Java content. Additionally, security awareness training for end users becomes crucial in identifying potential phishing attempts that might leverage this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch deployment across all Java installations within the organization's infrastructure.