CVE-2011-3560 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 and integrity, related to JSSE.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3560 resides within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE JDK and JRE versions spanning multiple release lines including Java 7, Java 6 through Update 27, Java 5.0 through Update 31, and Java 1.4.2 through Update 33. This security flaw specifically impacts Java Web Start applications and applets that originate from untrusted sources, creating a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently execute malicious code. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that Oracle did not provide detailed technical specifics about the underlying flaw, though the impact scope suggests a critical security weakness that could compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability is rooted in the Java Secure Socket Extension (JSSE) implementation within the Java Runtime Environment, which governs secure communications and cryptographic operations. When untrusted Java applets or Web Start applications execute, they can potentially exploit weaknesses in the JSSE handling mechanisms to manipulate cryptographic operations, alter data transmission, or bypass security restrictions. This flaw particularly affects the secure communication protocols that Java applications rely upon for encrypted data transfer and authentication. The vulnerability enables attackers to compromise the confidentiality of data transmitted through Java applications and potentially corrupt data integrity through manipulation of cryptographic processes, making it a serious concern for any organization running vulnerable Java installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3560 extends beyond individual system compromise to affect entire enterprise networks where Java applications are prevalent. Organizations that deploy Java applets for internal business applications, web-based tools, or collaborative platforms face significant exposure when systems run vulnerable Java versions. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it through web browsers or Java Web Start applications without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly browse untrusted websites or execute downloaded applications. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments, potentially allowing attackers to intercept sensitive communications, modify data in transit, or establish persistent access points within network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java installations to the latest available versions from Oracle. Organizations should implement strict Java security policies that disable untrusted applets and Web Start applications through browser security settings and Java Control Panel configurations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting Java execution permissions and implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized Java applications from running. Security teams should also deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious Java-related network traffic patterns and implement regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining unpatched systems. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability relates to CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in cryptographic implementations, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through compromised Java applications. Organizations should also consider implementing Java sandboxing mechanisms and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures specifically tailored for Java-related security incidents to ensure rapid detection and remediation of exploitation attempts.