CVE-2011-0862 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities 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 allow remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0862 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java Runtime Environment components affecting multiple versions of Java SE. This vulnerability specifically targets the 2D graphics rendering functionality within the JRE, exposing systems to potential exploitation through unspecified attack vectors that could compromise the fundamental security properties of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The affected versions include Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier, 5.0 Update 29 and earlier, and 1.4.2_31 and earlier, indicating a wide-ranging impact across different Java runtime versions. The 2D graphics subsystem in Java serves as a critical component for rendering graphical user interfaces and visual content, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged to manipulate graphical outputs or execute malicious code through compromised graphics rendering processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the 2D graphics processing code of the Java Runtime Environment. Attackers could potentially exploit these weaknesses through carefully crafted malicious Java applets or applications that utilize 2D graphics functionality, leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple exploitation techniques may be possible, including buffer overflows, memory corruption issues, or other code execution vulnerabilities that specifically target the graphics rendering pipeline. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations that could occur during graphics processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0862 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it affects the core security assurances that organizations rely upon in their Java-based applications and web deployments. Systems running affected Java versions become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that could allow adversaries to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability's potential to affect confidentiality means that attackers could potentially access or manipulate protected information processed through 2D graphics functions, while integrity compromises could result in unauthorized modifications to system state or application behavior. Availability impacts may occur through denial-of-service conditions that could crash Java applications or the entire system, particularly when exploited through graphics-intensive applications or web browsers that utilize Java applets.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt patching of all affected Java installations to the latest available versions, which would address the underlying 2D graphics processing vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider disabling Java plugin functionality in web browsers where possible, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation through web-based vectors. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly those involving unusual graphics processing patterns or memory allocation behaviors. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for execution through Java applets, T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1068 for local privilege escalation. Regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that all Java installations have been properly updated and that no legacy versions remain in production environments, as continued exposure to these vulnerabilities could result in significant security breaches and compliance violations.