CVE-2011-3551 in JRockit
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment component in Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE 7, 6 Update 27 and earlier, and JRockit R28.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to 2D.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3551 resides within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE versions up to 7, as well as JRockit versions up to R28.1.4. This unspecified weakness specifically impacts the 2D graphics subsystem of the Java platform, creating potential exposure points for remote attackers seeking to compromise system security. The vulnerability affects multiple Java implementations and versions, indicating a widespread concern across the Java ecosystem that required immediate attention from security professionals and system administrators.
The technical flaw manifests within the 2D graphics processing capabilities of the Java Runtime Environment, where attackers can potentially exploit unknown vectors to compromise system integrity. This weakness falls under the broader category of graphics rendering vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or manipulate system resources. The 2D graphics subsystem in Java handles various graphical operations including rendering of images, text, and vector graphics, making it a critical component for applications that depend on graphical user interfaces or visual processing. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact technical mechanism remains partially undisclosed, though the implications for confidentiality, integrity, and availability are clearly defined.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains, as it potentially allows attackers to compromise all three fundamental security principles. Confidentiality may be affected through unauthorized access to system resources or data processing capabilities within the 2D graphics context. Integrity threats arise from potential manipulation of graphics processing operations or system memory handling during 2D rendering tasks. Availability concerns emerge from the possibility of system crashes, denial of service conditions, or resource exhaustion during graphics processing operations. These impacts are particularly severe given that Java applications often run in enterprise environments where system stability and data protection are paramount.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt patching of affected Java installations, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious network activity related to Java applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and buffer overflows, though the specific nature of this 2D graphics vulnerability requires careful consideration of graphical processing exploits. Organizations should also reference ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection that may leverage such graphics rendering vulnerabilities. System administrators must prioritize updating all affected Java installations, particularly in environments where Java applications process untrusted input or operate in network-accessible configurations. Regular security assessments should include verification of Java component versions and implementation of security controls specifically targeting graphics processing subsystems to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.