CVE-2011-3548 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, integrity, and availability, related to AWT.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3548 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE. This issue specifically targets the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component which serves as the foundation for GUI applications in Java, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attack vectors. The vulnerability allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and applets to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, creating a comprehensive security risk that spans all three pillars of information security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and security controls within the AWT subsystem of Java's runtime environment. When Java Web Start applications or applets are executed, they operate within a sandboxed environment designed to prevent malicious code from accessing system resources. However, this particular flaw allows attackers to bypass these security boundaries, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks that can manipulate system resources directly. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can also compromise system availability through denial-of-service mechanisms and corrupt system integrity through unauthorized modifications to critical components.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Java applets and Web Start applications are commonly deployed for business applications. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by having users visit malicious websites or execute untrusted Java applications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware. The vulnerability affects multiple Java versions simultaneously, requiring organizations to urgently assess their entire Java deployment landscape and potentially implement immediate mitigations across their infrastructure. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves running malicious code through Java-based attack vectors.
The security implications of CVE-2011-3548 are particularly severe given that AWT is fundamental to Java's graphical user interface capabilities, making it a critical component for many enterprise applications. Organizations should implement immediate patch management strategies to upgrade to affected Java versions, while also considering network-level mitigations such as disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers and implementing strict content filtering policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy Java implementations that may not receive continued security support, aligning with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and improper access to resources. System administrators must also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting Java execution in environments where it is not strictly required for business operations, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks that trick users into executing malicious code through seemingly legitimate web applications.