CVE-2014-0455 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 7u51 and 8, and Java SE Embedded 7u51, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability via unknown vectors related to Libraries, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-0432 and CVE-2014-2402.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0455 represents a significant security weakness in Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded versions 7u51 and 8. This flaw resides within the library components of the Java runtime environment, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the fundamental building blocks upon which Java applications depend. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that Oracle did not provide detailed technical information about the specific nature of the weakness, which is unusual and often suggests a complex or subtle flaw that could potentially be exploited in multiple ways. The fact that this vulnerability is separate from CVE-2014-0432 and CVE-2014-2402 indicates that it operates through different attack vectors or mechanisms, suggesting a broader class of issues within the Java library subsystem.
The technical impact of CVE-2014-0455 spans all three core principles of information security confidentiality integrity and availability, which is characteristic of critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited to compromise entire systems. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data through confidentiality breaches, modify system resources and data through integrity compromises, or disrupt system operations through availability attacks. The library-based nature of the flaw means that any application relying on affected Java libraries could be compromised, making the attack surface particularly broad. This vulnerability type aligns with CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory and CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read which are commonly found in library implementations where memory management or access controls fail to properly validate inputs or maintain proper boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations running affected Java versions as it creates multiple attack pathways that could be exploited by threat actors without requiring specialized knowledge or significant resources. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers could compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to full system compromise or data breaches. The vulnerability affects both desktop and embedded Java environments, indicating that it could impact a wide range of devices from servers and workstations to embedded systems in industrial control environments. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal ramifications if systems running vulnerable Java versions are compromised through exploitation of this vulnerability. The lack of specific details about the attack vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could potentially be exploited through multiple methods including but not limited to code injection attacks or memory corruption techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0455 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Java installations to the latest available versions from Oracle. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications and reduce the potential attack surface. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify systems running outdated Java versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Java process behavior or network connections that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as affecting libraries makes it particularly important to maintain updated Java runtime environments and to regularly review application dependencies for vulnerable library versions. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which Java applications can execute on systems. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege and maintaining up-to-date security configurations for Java environments can help reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the risks associated with running outdated software components in enterprise environments.