CVE-2011-0863 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Deployment.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0863 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment specifically affecting Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier versions. This vulnerability resides within the Deployment component of the JRE, which is responsible for managing the execution and security boundaries of Java applications launched through various mechanisms including Java Web Start and applets. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability's exact technical implementation suggests a fundamental weakness in how the deployment system handles trust boundaries and security validation for remotely loaded Java applications.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of security checks during the deployment process, allowing untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets to potentially bypass critical security restrictions that should normally prevent them from accessing system resources or performing malicious operations. This weakness creates a pathway where remote attackers can craft malicious Java applications that, when executed by vulnerable JRE versions, can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target system. The vulnerability's classification under the Deployment component aligns with CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects multiple fundamental security properties of the affected systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to potentially access sensitive data, modify system files, disrupt service availability, or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable JRE. The widespread use of Java in enterprise environments and web applications makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised applications. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution through trusted Java applets represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructures that rely on Java-based applications.
Organizations affected by CVE-2011-0863 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of Java SE 6 Update 26 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling Java applets in web browsers, configuring firewall rules to restrict Java-related network communications, and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Java applications. The vulnerability's relationship to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques highlights the need for comprehensive security monitoring and response capabilities. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable Java versions and implement proper patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.