CVE-2010-4450 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 for Solaris and Linux; 5.0 Update 27 and earlier for Solaris and Linux; and 1.4.2_29 and earlier for Solaris and Linux allows local standalone applications to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Launcher. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the February 2011 CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from a downstream vendor that this issue is an untrusted search path vulnerability involving an empty LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4450 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment affecting multiple Java versions across different operating systems. This issue specifically impacts Java SE and Java for Business versions 6 Update 23 and earlier for Solaris and Linux platforms, 5.0 Update 27 and earlier for the same operating systems, and 1.4.2_29 and earlier versions. The vulnerability resides within the Launcher component of the Java Runtime Environment, which is responsible for initializing and executing Java applications. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vector makes it particularly concerning as it suggests potential for exploitation through various attack surfaces that may not be immediately apparent.
The technical flaw associated with CVE-2010-4450 is believed to be related to an untrusted search path vulnerability involving the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 category, which specifically addresses the execution of untrusted code through improper handling of library paths. When the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable is empty or improperly configured, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the library loading process and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the running Java application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution, particularly in scenarios where environment variables are not properly sanitized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and could potentially compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running affected Java versions. Local standalone applications that leverage this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to system resources, modify critical data, or disrupt system availability through denial-of-service conditions. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Java versions and operating systems increases its potential impact, as organizations with diverse Java deployments would be simultaneously exposed to the same risk. The vulnerability's location within the Launcher component means that any Java application startup process could be compromised, potentially affecting everything from simple desktop applications to enterprise-level deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4450 should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict environment variable controls, particularly ensuring that LD_LIBRARY_PATH is properly configured and validated before application execution. The implementation of privilege separation techniques and mandatory access controls can help limit the potential damage from exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of Java installations across their networks to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability's characteristics also suggest that runtime application behavior monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to detect anomalous library loading patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.