CVE-2012-0507 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 2 and earlier, 6 Update 30 and earlier, and 5.0 Update 33 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Concurrency. NOTE: the previous information was obtained from the February 2012 Oracle CPU. Oracle has not commented on claims from a downstream vendor and third party researchers that this issue occurs because the AtomicReferenceArray class implementation does not ensure that the array is of the Object[] type, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (JVM crash) or bypass Java sandbox restrictions. NOTE: this issue was originally mapped to CVE-2011-3571, but that identifier was already assigned to a different issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0507 represents a critical concurrency-related flaw within Oracle Java Runtime Environment that affects multiple versions of Java SE. This issue resides within the AtomicReferenceArray class implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can lead to severe security implications. The vulnerability was originally identified through Oracle's January 2012 Critical Patch Update and later reclassified following additional research from downstream vendors and independent security researchers. The core problem manifests when the AtomicReferenceArray class fails to properly validate that arrays are of the Object[] type, creating a fundamental weakness in the Java concurrency model that extends beyond simple operational errors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper type validation within the AtomicReferenceArray implementation, which allows attackers to manipulate array references in ways that bypass normal Java sandbox restrictions. This flaw specifically targets the concurrency mechanisms that Java provides for thread-safe operations, where AtomicReferenceArray is designed to support atomic operations on array elements. When attackers can force the JVM to process arrays of incorrect types, they can trigger unexpected behavior that leads to either denial of service conditions through JVM crashes or more severe sandbox bypass scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the JVM level rather than at the application level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any application running on vulnerable Java versions regardless of the application's own security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0507 extends across multiple attack vectors and affects the fundamental security properties of Java applications. The vulnerability can compromise confidentiality by potentially allowing unauthorized data access through sandbox bypass mechanisms, integrity by enabling manipulation of shared data structures during concurrent operations, and availability through forced JVM crashes that can bring applications down. This aligns with CWE-119 which addresses weaknesses in memory management and improper access to memory locations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects core JVM components that are utilized by countless applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit widespread Java installations. The issue demonstrates how concurrency controls can become attack surfaces when not properly implemented, with implications for enterprise environments where Java applications form the backbone of critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0507 require immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions that contain the fixed AtomicReferenceArray implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating all systems running Java SE 7 Update 2 and earlier, Java SE 6 Update 30 and earlier, and Java SE 5.0 Update 33 and earlier versions. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious JVM behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around concurrent access patterns and array manipulation operations. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution and T1499.004 for network disruption highlights the need for both endpoint protection and network monitoring. System administrators should also consider implementing additional application sandboxing measures and restricting network access to Java applications where possible. Organizations without immediate access to patches should consider deploying Java security patches from third-party vendors and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.