CVE-2011-3553 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 authenticated users to affect confidentiality, related to JAXWS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3553 resides within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE versions 7, 6 Update 27 and earlier, alongside JRockit R28.1.4 and earlier versions. This unspecified weakness specifically impacts the JAXWS (Java API for XML Web Services) functionality, creating potential security risks for systems running affected Java implementations. The vulnerability affects authenticated remote attackers who can exploit this flaw to compromise confidentiality, indicating that sensitive data may be exposed or accessed without proper authorization. The JAXWS component serves as a critical interface for web services communication within Java applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely heavily on web service architectures. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though the impact on confidentiality indicates potential data leakage or unauthorized information access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the JAXWS implementation within the affected Java versions, where improper handling of certain XML processing operations or web service communications may allow authenticated attackers to manipulate or extract confidential information. The flaw likely exists in how the JAXWS framework processes incoming requests or handles specific XML structures, potentially enabling attackers to perform information disclosure attacks. Attackers who have authenticated access to systems running vulnerable Java versions could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially including user credentials, business information, or proprietary system details. This vulnerability represents a significant risk in environments where Java-based web services handle confidential transactions or sensitive data exchanges, as the attack vector requires only authentication rather than complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3553 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it affects the fundamental security posture of Java applications relying on JAXWS functionality. Organizations running vulnerable Java implementations may experience unauthorized data access, potentially leading to regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Java versions including JRE 6 Update 27 and earlier, JRE 7, and JRockit R28.1.4 and earlier creates a widespread risk across enterprise environments where legacy Java applications continue to operate. System administrators and security teams must consider the implications for web service security, particularly in environments where JAXWS is extensively used for internal or external communications. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first establish valid credentials, but once authenticated, they can leverage this vulnerability to access confidential information, making it particularly dangerous in environments with insufficient access controls or monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3553 primarily focus on updating affected Java implementations to versions that address the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patching their Java installations with the latest security updates from Oracle, particularly upgrading from the vulnerable JRE 6 Update 27 and earlier, JRE 7, and JRockit R28.1.4 and earlier versions. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while enhanced monitoring of web service communications can aid in detecting unauthorized access patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing application-level controls and validating input parameters to reduce the attack surface for JAXWS implementations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and potentially relates to ATT&CK techniques involving credential access and data extraction. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in Java-based applications and web service implementations. Organizations may also benefit from implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious web service traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.