CVE-2011-0706 in JDK
Summary
by MITRE
The JNLPClassLoader class in IcedTea-Web before 1.0.1, as used in OpenJDK Runtime Environment 1.6.0, allows remote attackers to gain privileges via unknown vectors related to multiple signers and the assignment of "an inappropriate security descriptor."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0706 resides within the JNLPClassLoader component of IcedTea-Web versions prior to 1.0.1, which is utilized in OpenJDK Runtime Environment 1.6.0 implementations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the Java Network Launch Protocol class loading mechanism that governs how Java applications are launched over networks. The vulnerability specifically targets the security model implementation within the Java runtime environment, where proper trust boundaries and privilege assignment mechanisms fail to function correctly. The issue manifests when applications attempt to load classes through JNLP (Java Network Launch Protocol) mechanisms, creating potential pathways for malicious code execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the core security architecture of Java Web Start applications and represents a failure in the security descriptor assignment process that should enforce proper privilege separation between different code sources.
The technical flaw involves a weakness in how the JNLPClassLoader handles multiple signers and their associated security descriptors during the class loading process. When multiple code signers are present, the system fails to properly validate or assign appropriate security permissions to the loaded classes. This misconfiguration allows attackers to manipulate the security context in which classes execute, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate privilege assignment and security descriptor management. The flaw essentially permits unauthorized code to assume elevated privileges that should only be granted to trusted, properly signed applications. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious JNLP files that manipulate the signing information to bypass normal security checks and execute code with higher privileges than intended.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0706 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This weakness particularly affects Java Web Start applications that utilize JNLP files for deployment, making web applications and enterprise systems using these technologies vulnerable to remote exploitation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, compromised web services, or social engineering campaigns targeting users to download and execute malicious JNLP files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it enables an attacker to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The attack surface includes any system running affected versions of IcedTea-Web, particularly those with Java Web Start functionality enabled, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and organizations relying on Java-based web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0706 require immediate patching of affected systems with IcedTea-Web version 1.0.1 or later, which addresses the improper security descriptor assignment issue. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious JNLP files and configure Java security policies to limit the trust level of unsigned or improperly signed applications. System administrators should disable Java Web Start functionality where possible and ensure that only trusted code sources are permitted to execute within the Java runtime environment. Additionally, implementing proper code signing practices and monitoring for unauthorized JNLP file execution can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper privilege separation and security descriptor management in Java security architectures, highlighting that even seemingly minor flaws in class loading mechanisms can result in significant security breaches. Regular security assessments and patch management programs should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, particularly focusing on the security model implementation of Java runtime environments and their associated web deployment mechanisms.