CVE-2011-0865 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 integrity via unknown vectors related to Deserialization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0865 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE versions prior to specific updates. 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 across legacy Java installations. The vulnerability specifically relates to deserialization processes within the Java environment, which forms a fundamental component of how Java applications handle data transmission and object state management. The flaw exists in the way Java processes serialized objects, particularly when these objects originate from untrusted sources through Java Web Start applications or applets, making it particularly dangerous in web-based execution environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized data structures during deserialization operations. When Java applications receive serialized objects from external sources, they typically deserialize these objects to reconstruct the original data structures in memory. In affected versions, the deserialization process lacks adequate validation mechanisms, allowing maliciously crafted serialized objects to trigger unexpected behavior. This deserialization flaw can be exploited by attackers who craft specially designed serialized data that, when processed by the vulnerable Java runtime, can execute arbitrary code or manipulate system integrity. The vulnerability's classification under the broader category of deserialization attacks aligns with common weaknesses identified in CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical security concern. The attack vectors involve untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets, which are inherently dangerous because they execute code directly within the user's Java environment without proper sandboxing controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0865 is significant and potentially devastating for organizations running affected Java versions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems with the privileges of the Java runtime process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects both Java Web Start applications and applets, which means that attacks can occur through various delivery mechanisms including web browsers, desktop applications, or network-based Java execution environments. This broad attack surface makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors who can exploit it through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised web applications. The integrity impact is particularly concerning because attackers can manipulate serialized data to alter system behavior, potentially leading to data corruption, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Java versions including older releases like Java 1.4.2_31 indicates that organizations with legacy systems or those slow to update may remain vulnerable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0865 primarily focus on immediate version updates and implementation of additional security controls. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of Oracle Java SE, specifically targeting Java SE 6 Update 26, Java SE 5.0 Update 30, and Java 1.4.2_32 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement strict Java security policies that limit the execution of untrusted code, particularly disabling Java applets in web browsers and restricting Java Web Start applications to trusted sources only. Network-level controls such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious serialized data attempts. The vulnerability's relationship to the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Client Execution" highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and implement proper patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deserialization activities and potential exploitation attempts, while user education about the dangers of executing untrusted Java content remains crucial for preventing successful attacks.