CVE-2011-3387 in Java
Summary
by MITRE
The class file parser in IBM Java 1.4.2 SR13 FP9 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (memory consumption or an infinite loop) via a crafted attribute length field in a class file, related to validation of a length field at the wrong time, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0311.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3387 represents a critical flaw in IBM Java 1.4.2 SR13 FP9 class file parser implementation that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute denial of service attacks through carefully crafted malicious class files. This vulnerability specifically targets the validation mechanism responsible for processing attribute length fields within class files, demonstrating a fundamental flaw in the timing of validation checks. The issue stems from the parser's improper handling of attribute length fields that occur at an incorrect phase of the parsing process, creating opportunities for malicious input to disrupt normal system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated remote user submits a specially crafted class file containing malformed attribute length fields that trigger either excessive memory consumption or infinite loop conditions within the Java Virtual Machine's class file parsing routines. This flaw operates at the core parsing layer of the Java runtime environment, where the system validates attribute length fields at inappropriate moments during the class file analysis process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an improper validation of array index, while also exhibiting characteristics of CWE-674 as an uncontrolled recursion, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications process untrusted class files from multiple sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3387 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire application environments where Java-based systems process external class file inputs. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to consume excessive system resources or force the JVM to enter infinite loop conditions, effectively rendering the affected systems unavailable to legitimate users. This type of denial of service attack poses significant risks in enterprise environments where Java applications serve as critical infrastructure components, potentially leading to cascading failures across interconnected systems that depend on the affected Java runtime environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3387 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM Java installations to the latest available security fixes, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted network traffic. Organizations should consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious class file patterns and implementing strict input validation for any application processing external Java class files. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a denial of service technique emphasizes the need for comprehensive monitoring and response procedures that can quickly identify and isolate affected systems while maintaining operational continuity. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, regular security assessments of Java-based applications, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues within the broader Java ecosystem that may exhibit comparable validation timing flaws.