CVE-2011-3550 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 allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability, related to AWT.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3550 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of the Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment. This issue specifically targets the AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component, which serves as the foundational GUI framework for Java applications. The vulnerability manifests when untrusted Java Web Start applications or applets attempt to interact with the AWT subsystem, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system security. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability details suggests that it involves a fundamental weakness in how the AWT component handles certain operations or data processing, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit various aspects of the framework without specific knowledge of the exact technical flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the AWT component's handling of untrusted code execution contexts, where insufficient input validation or improper access controls allow malicious code to bypass security restrictions. When Java Web Start applications or applets are executed, they operate within sandboxed environments designed to prevent unauthorized system access. However, this vulnerability enables attackers to exploit weaknesses in the AWT subsystem that could allow privilege escalation or information disclosure. The flaw specifically affects the Java SE JDK and JRE versions 7 and 6 Update 27 and earlier, indicating that Oracle had not yet addressed this particular weakness in their security model. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-242, which describes "Use of Inherently Dangerous Function" and CWE-254, which covers "Security Features" in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, demonstrating the fundamental nature of the security gap in the Java runtime environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3550 extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass full system integrity and availability threats. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems, leading to complete system compromise or data destruction. The confidentiality aspect of the vulnerability allows for unauthorized information disclosure, while the integrity component enables attackers to modify system files or application data without detection. The availability impact can manifest through denial-of-service conditions where the AWT subsystem becomes unstable or crashes, rendering Java applications unusable. This vulnerability affects enterprise environments where Java applets and Web Start applications are commonly deployed, creating widespread potential for exploitation across multiple organizational boundaries. The attack surface is particularly broad since many organizations rely on Java-based web applications for business-critical operations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to protect their systems and data. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest available versions of Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE, specifically versions that have patched this AWT-related security flaw. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to Java applet execution where possible, particularly in environments where such applications are not essential for business operations. Additional defensive measures include configuring Java security policies to limit applet permissions, implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious Java-related traffic, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable Java versions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, as attackers could leverage it to gain elevated system privileges or execute malicious code within the Java environment, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals implementing defensive strategies against advanced persistent threats.