CVE-2011-0802 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier, 5.0 Update 29 and earlier, and 1.4.2_31 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Sound, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0814.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0802 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Java SE including Java 6 Update 25 and earlier, Java 5.0 Update 29 and earlier, and Java 1.4.2_31 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically relates to the Sound component of the Java Runtime Environment and operates under the broader category of unspecified security flaws that can compromise the fundamental security properties of affected systems. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector that can potentially impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability aspects of the targeted systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Java applications are commonly executed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies within the Sound subsystem of the Java Runtime Environment, which handles audio processing and sound-related functionalities within Java applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that leverage the Sound component to execute malicious code or manipulate system resources. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2011-0814, indicating that it represents a distinct attack surface within the Java Sound API implementation. This distinction is crucial for security professionals as it suggests multiple attack vectors exist within the same software component, requiring comprehensive vulnerability assessment and remediation strategies.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0802 extends beyond simple data compromise as it can affect all three core security principles simultaneously. Confidentiality breaches may occur through unauthorized access to system information or data that is processed through sound-related Java applications. Integrity violations can manifest as the modification of audio data or system parameters during sound processing operations, while availability threats could result from system crashes or resource exhaustion caused by malicious exploitation attempts. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed.
Security professionals should recognize that this vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security flaws that require immediate attention and remediation. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability could be mapped to multiple ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to address this vulnerability across all affected Java installations, as the potential for exploitation in real-world scenarios remains significant given the widespread deployment of Java applications in enterprise environments.
The remediation approach for CVE-2011-0802 requires comprehensive system hardening measures including immediate deployment of Oracle security patches for all affected Java versions, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to Java-enabled systems, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other Java components. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Java applet execution and implementing strict access controls for sound-related system functions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how even seemingly minor components like audio processing can represent significant security risks when not properly secured. Organizations that cannot immediately patch their systems should consider implementing network-based protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts.