CVE-2011-0815 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 untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to AWT.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0815 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE versions prior to specific updates. This weakness exists in multiple Java versions including Java 6 Update 25 and earlier, Java 5.0 Update 29 and earlier, and Java 1.4.2_31 and earlier, making it particularly widespread across legacy Java installations. The vulnerability specifically relates to the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component which is fundamental to Java's graphical user interface functionality and is commonly utilized by Java Web Start applications and applets that execute within web browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient security controls within the AWT subsystem that governs graphical user interface operations in Java applications. When untrusted Java Web Start applications or applets attempt to interact with AWT components, the vulnerability allows these malicious or compromised applications to potentially bypass normal security boundaries. This flaw enables attackers to exploit the underlying AWT mechanisms to perform unauthorized operations that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality. The unspecified vectors indicate that the attack surface encompasses multiple potential exploitation paths within the AWT framework that were not fully addressed in the affected versions.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0815 extends significantly beyond typical application-level vulnerabilities due to the widespread deployment of Java across enterprise environments and web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems through seemingly legitimate Java applets or Web Start applications that users might encounter while browsing the internet or executing software installations. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad are all compromised through this vulnerability, meaning that attackers could potentially exfiltrate sensitive data, corrupt system files, or cause system downtime through denial-of-service conditions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are commonly used for business-critical processes.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of systems running affected Java versions through patching with the latest Oracle security updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which describes exposure of an exception to an unexpected environment, and may also relate to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution through browser-based attack vectors. Organizations should implement network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to limit the execution of Java applets and Web Start applications, particularly in environments where the vulnerability cannot be immediately patched. Additionally, browser security settings should be configured to restrict Java execution, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate any remaining legacy Java installations that may be exposed to this threat.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise software components, particularly those that execute code in user contexts such as web browsers. The AWT component's role in Java's graphical operations makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit user interaction points, and this vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security monitoring of Java-based applications. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes that include regular vulnerability scanning and automated patch deployment to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The long-term solution involves migrating away from legacy Java versions to supported releases that include comprehensive security controls and regular security updates to protect against evolving threat landscapes.