CVE-2010-4474 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java DB component in Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 23, and, and earlier allows local users to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Security, a similar vulnerability to CVE-2009-4269.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4474 resides within Oracle Java SE and Java for Business 6 Update 23 and earlier versions, specifically within the Java DB component. This designation as an unspecified vulnerability indicates that the exact technical mechanisms remain undisclosed in the initial reporting, though it is explicitly linked to security-related issues within the database component. The vulnerability affects local users who can potentially compromise confidentiality, suggesting an internal threat vector rather than external network-based exploitation. The classification as a similar vulnerability to CVE-2009-4269 indicates that both issues share common underlying architectural weaknesses, typically pointing towards flaws in access control or privilege management within the Java database subsystem. Such similarities often manifest in credential handling, authentication bypasses, or unauthorized data access mechanisms that allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical flaw within the Java DB component likely involves inadequate security controls or improper implementation of access restrictions that enable local users to bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability operates at the database level where Java applications interact with embedded database functionality, potentially allowing privilege escalation or unauthorized data retrieval. The unspecified nature of the vector suggests that the attack could occur through multiple pathways including but not limited to malformed database queries, improper privilege checks, or insufficient input validation within the database engine. The local user impact indicates that no network exposure is required for exploitation, making this particularly concerning as it can be leveraged from within the system itself, potentially through malicious local applications or compromised user accounts with legitimate access rights.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Java-based applications with embedded database functionality. The confidentiality compromise could result in exposure of sensitive data including personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data stored within the Java DB environment. Local users with legitimate access can exploit this vulnerability to extract information that should remain protected, potentially leading to data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's presence in Java SE and Java for Business versions suggests widespread impact across enterprise applications that utilize embedded database functionality, particularly those running on older Java versions where patching may be delayed or incomplete. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face increased risk of insider threats or compromised accounts being exploited to access sensitive database content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4474 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions to Update 24 or later, as Oracle would have addressed the underlying security flaw in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate all systems running vulnerable Java versions, particularly those with embedded database functionality. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring local user activities, and conducting regular security assessments of Java-based applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and potentially CWE-310 Cryptographic Issues if the vulnerability involves encryption or authentication mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1552 Unsecured Credentials, as local users can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to database resources. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the potential impact of local exploitation and reduce the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.