CVE-2014-0460 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8; JRockit R27.8.1 and R28.3.1; and Java SE Embedded 7u51 allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity via vectors related to JNDI.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
This vulnerability resides within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded implementations, specifically affecting versions 5.0u61, 6u71, 7u51, and 8, alongside JRockit versions R27.8.1 and R28.3.1. The flaw manifests in the Java Naming and Directory Interface component which handles directory service lookups and name resolution operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates a critical weakness in the JNDI processing mechanism that could be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the target system. This represents a significant security gap that affects the core Java runtime environment used across millions of enterprise applications and embedded systems worldwide.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of JNDI lookup operations, which are fundamental to Java applications that need to resolve names and access directory services. Attackers can craft malicious JNDI requests that cause the Java runtime to perform unintended operations, potentially leading to code execution, data leakage, or service disruption. The vulnerability specifically impacts the way Java processes directory service lookups, particularly when handling external references or remote data sources through the JNDI framework. This weakness allows attackers to influence the Java Virtual Machine's behavior during name resolution, creating opportunities for data integrity compromise and confidentiality breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous enterprise environments where Java applications are deployed, including web servers, application servers, and embedded devices. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential risks of unauthorized data access, modification of critical system information, and possible complete system compromise. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from outside the network perimeter, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications. The widespread use of Java SE across enterprise environments amplifies the potential impact, as a single vulnerable component can affect multiple applications and services within an organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of all affected Java installations to the latest supported versions, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious JNDI activity. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary JNDI features in applications where they are not required, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to directory services, and conducting thorough security assessments of Java-based applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and relates to ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security measures. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes and consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.