CVE-2012-5076 in JRE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) component in Oracle Java SE 7 Update 7 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability, related to JAX-WS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5076 resides within the Java Runtime Environment component of Oracle Java SE version 7 Update 7 and earlier releases. This unspecified weakness specifically impacts the JAX-WS (Java API for XML Web Services) functionality, which represents a critical web services framework within the Java ecosystem. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical details were not fully disclosed in the initial advisory, though subsequent analysis has revealed its significant security implications for enterprise environments relying on Java-based web services.
The technical flaw manifests within the JAX-WS implementation where improper handling of certain XML processing operations creates opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the Java Runtime Environment. This vulnerability operates at the core of XML parsing and web service communication mechanisms, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or manipulate service responses. The weakness specifically relates to how the JAX-WS component processes incoming XML data structures, creating potential attack vectors through malformed or specially crafted web service requests that can bypass normal security boundaries.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations utilizing Java-based web services, particularly those implementing JAX-WS for enterprise communication. Attackers could leverage this weakness to compromise the confidentiality of sensitive data transmitted through web services, potentially modify service responses to alter business logic, or disrupt availability through denial of service conditions. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise as the vulnerability affects the fundamental integrity of web service communications, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate transactional processes or bypass authentication mechanisms within Java applications. Organizations running affected Java versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential system compromise when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address CVE-2012-5076, as the vulnerability represents a critical threat level that can be exploited remotely without authentication. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Oracle Java SE 7 Update 8 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper XML processing validation and enhanced security controls within the JAX-WS implementation. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to web services that utilize JAX-WS, particularly where the vulnerability cannot be immediately patched. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the weakness of "Modification of Assumed-Immutable Data", and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and ensure proper monitoring for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific weakness in JAX-WS implementations.