CVE-2011-3547 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment component in Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE 7, 6 Update 27 and earlier, 5.0 Update 31 and earlier, and 1.4.2_33 and earlier allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Networking.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3547 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment. This flaw specifically targets the networking components of Java SE and is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets, making it accessible to attackers who can deliver malicious code through web-based delivery mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical details of the flaw were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting, though the impact is clearly defined in terms of confidentiality compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of network-based security flaws that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt normal operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the Java networking stack handles certain operations within untrusted code contexts. When Java Web Start applications or applets attempt to perform network operations, the security boundaries that should protect against malicious code execution become compromised. This allows attackers to potentially access network resources or data that should be restricted, creating a pathway for information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability specifically relates to how network connections are managed and how access controls are enforced when untrusted code attempts to interact with network resources. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle scenarios, network sniffing, or direct access to network resources that should remain protected from untrusted code execution. The flaw demonstrates the inherent complexity of maintaining security boundaries in sandboxed environments where trusted code must interact with potentially malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3547 is substantial given the widespread deployment of Java across enterprise environments and web applications. Organizations running affected versions of Java are at risk of unauthorized data access, information leakage, and potential system compromise through network-based attacks. The vulnerability's ability to affect confidentiality means that attackers could potentially intercept sensitive data transmitted through Java applications, including login credentials, personal information, or business-critical data. This risk is particularly elevated in environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are frequently used for business processes, as these attack vectors are commonly encountered in legitimate business operations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by leveraging the network access capabilities that should be restricted in a secure Java runtime environment. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack tree model where network access is a critical component for information gathering and exfiltration activities.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching and updating of affected Java installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify all systems running affected Java versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk assessment. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional layers of protection by restricting access to sensitive network resources from Java execution environments. The implementation of Java security policies and the use of security managers can help enforce stricter access controls for network operations performed by untrusted code. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start functionality in web browsers where possible, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against network-based attacks that target runtime environment security boundaries. The flaw also highlights the need for continuous monitoring and assessment of Java-based applications to identify potential security weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic monitoring to detect anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely trigger requirements under various security frameworks including those related to data protection and information security management systems that mandate regular vulnerability assessments and remediation activities.