CVE-2010-4466 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 Windows, Solaris, and, Linux; 5.0 Update 27 and earlier for Windows; and 1.4.2_29 and earlier for Windows 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-2010-4466 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple operating systems and Java versions. This issue specifically targets the deployment component of Java SE and Java for Business, creating potential entry points for attackers to compromise system confidentiality. The vulnerability exists in versions 6 Update 23 and earlier across Windows, Solaris, and Linux platforms, while also affecting Java 5.0 Update 27 and earlier on Windows, and Java 1.4.2_29 and earlier on Windows. The affected deployment mechanism allows malicious actors to exploit untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets, which operate outside the traditional security boundaries of the Java sandbox.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and protection mechanisms within the Java deployment framework. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the deployment or installation process that could lead to information disclosure or unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's impact occurs through the Java Web Start functionality and applet execution, where untrusted code can potentially bypass security restrictions that normally protect against malicious activities. The deployment component's failure to properly isolate or validate external code execution creates opportunities for attackers to access confidential information through unknown vectors related to the deployment process itself.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly deployed. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious Java Web Start applications or applets that, when executed by vulnerable Java installations, can access or exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack surface extends across multiple platforms, making it particularly dangerous for organizations running mixed operating system environments. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely fall under the T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell' or related execution techniques, as the exploitation involves running malicious code through legitimate Java deployment mechanisms. Organizations with legacy Java installations are particularly vulnerable since these older versions are no longer receiving security updates, creating persistent exposure windows.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched Java releases, as Oracle typically addresses such vulnerabilities through security updates. System administrators must conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all vulnerable Java installations across the organization, particularly those running outdated versions. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which applications can execute Java code. Additional protective measures include implementing Java security policies that restrict network access for untrusted applets and disabling unnecessary Java functionality through browser plugins. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious Java-related network activity or code execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of applications to ensure that security updates do not break existing functionality while maintaining proper access controls for Java deployment components.