CVE-2011-3555 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment component in Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE, and 7 allows remote untrusted Java Web Start applications and untrusted Java applets to affect integrity and availability via unknown vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3555 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle's Java Runtime Environment affecting both JDK and JRE implementations across multiple Java versions. This unspecified vulnerability specifically targets the Java Web Start applications and applets execution environment, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity and availability. The flaw exists within the core Java runtime component that processes untrusted code from web sources, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and consumer environments where Java applets and Web Start applications are commonly utilized. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, though it operates within the trusted code execution pathways of the Java Virtual Machine.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of untrusted Java code executed through Web Start applications and applets. When users launch untrusted Java applications or browse web pages containing malicious applets, the Java Runtime Environment fails to properly isolate or validate the incoming code, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate system resources or execute unauthorized operations. This weakness aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and improper validation of input data within runtime environments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it specifically affects both integrity and availability aspects of the system, suggesting potential for data corruption or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3555 is significant across multiple deployment scenarios including enterprise networks, web applications, and consumer environments where Java applets are prevalent. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to compromise system integrity by modifying critical files or executing malicious code with elevated privileges, while simultaneously affecting availability through resource exhaustion or system instability. The attack surface is broad given that Java Web Start applications and applets are commonly deployed in corporate environments for internal applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Java-based solutions. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers execution through various scripting and programming interfaces, and T1499 which addresses disruption of services through availability attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3555 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations through Oracle's security updates and regular security maintenance procedures. Organizations must implement strict network controls to prevent execution of untrusted Java applets and Web Start applications, particularly in high-security environments. The deployment of Java sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of exploitation. System administrators should consider disabling Java applet support entirely in web browsers and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of Java applications to trusted sources only. Additionally, monitoring and logging of Java runtime activities should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, with security teams implementing continuous vulnerability assessment procedures to identify similar unpatched Java components across the enterprise infrastructure.