CVE-2011-0864 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 HotSpot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0864 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE versions prior to specific update releases. This issue affects multiple Java versions including Java SE 6 Update 25 and earlier, Java SE 5.0 Update 29 and earlier, and Java 1.4.2_31 and earlier, creating a widespread attack surface that impacts numerous enterprise and consumer systems. The vulnerability specifically resides within the HotSpot JVM implementation, which serves as the core execution engine for Java applications and is responsible for just-in-time compilation and runtime optimization of Java bytecode.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the HotSpot component that processes untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets. These applications and applets are typically downloaded and executed from untrusted sources over network connections, making them prime targets for exploitation. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that the flaw manifests through multiple pathways within the HotSpot runtime environment, potentially involving memory corruption, privilege escalation, or other low-level system manipulation techniques that are common in JVM-based exploits. The vulnerability allows attackers to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems through remote code execution capabilities that bypass standard security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying Java-based applications and services. The ability for remote untrusted applications to affect system confidentiality means that sensitive data could be accessed or exfiltrated without proper authorization. Integrity compromise allows for malicious modification of system files, application data, or runtime behavior, while availability impacts can result in denial of service conditions or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applets and Web Start applications are commonly used for internal business applications, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors and cybercriminals seeking to establish footholds within network infrastructures. The attack vectors typically involve social engineering campaigns that trick users into executing malicious Java applications, leveraging the trust model inherent in Java's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0864 primarily focus on immediate patching and deployment of updated Java SE versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest available Java versions that address this vulnerability, with particular attention to Java SE 6 Update 26, Java SE 5.0 Update 30, and Java 1.4.2_32 or later. System administrators should implement Java security policies that restrict the execution of untrusted code, disable Java applets in web browsers, and configure appropriate firewall rules to limit access to Java-based services. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weak buffer access controls, and may also relate to CWE-248 which covers exposure of an exception to the application. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques involving exploitation of remote services and privilege escalation, potentially mapping to T1059 for command and script injection and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address any successful attacks that may occur despite preventive measures.