CVE-2011-0786 in Java JDK
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier, when running on Windows, allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0788.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0786 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment specifically affecting Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier versions when operating on Windows platforms. This issue resides within the Deployment component of the JRE and impacts both Java Web Start applications and Java applets that originate from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism enabling exploitation remains partially obscured, though it operates through deployment-related pathways that differ significantly from the closely related CVE-2011-0788 vulnerability.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of untrusted Java content within the deployment framework, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity and security. When untrusted Java Web Start applications or applets execute on vulnerable systems, they can leverage this vulnerability to potentially access sensitive data, modify system resources, or disrupt normal operations. The Windows-specific nature of this vulnerability suggests that the exploitation techniques may leverage Windows-specific APIs or system behaviors that differ from other operating systems. This deployment-related weakness operates through mechanisms that allow untrusted code to bypass normal security boundaries, potentially enabling privilege escalation or data exfiltration attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly deployed and where users may inadvertently execute untrusted code through web browsers or desktop applications. The potential for confidentiality breaches means that sensitive data could be accessed by malicious actors, while integrity threats could allow for system modification or corruption. Availability concerns arise from the possibility that exploitation could lead to system crashes or denial of service conditions, particularly in environments where Java applications are frequently executed. Organizations running affected JRE versions face potential exposure across multiple attack vectors, including web-based attacks targeting applets and desktop-based attacks through Java Web Start applications.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation efforts by updating to Oracle Java SE 6 Update 26 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and defense evasion, while mapping to CWE categories related to improper input validation and deployment component weaknesses. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logs of Java application execution to facilitate incident response activities. Regular security assessments should verify that all Java installations have been properly updated and that legacy systems are appropriately isolated from untrusted network environments to minimize attack surface exposure.