CVE-2015-4734 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Java SE 6u101, 7u85 and 8u60, and Java SE Embedded 8u51, allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality via vectors related to JGSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4734 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting versions 6u101, 7u85, 8u60, and 8u51. This issue resides within the Java GSS (Generic Security Services) implementation, which serves as a fundamental component for establishing secure communications in Java applications. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that Oracle did not provide detailed technical specifics about the exact nature of the flaw during the initial disclosure, though subsequent analysis has revealed its impact on data confidentiality. The JGSS framework is responsible for providing security services such as authentication, integrity protection, and confidentiality for network communications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise secure data transmission.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through network-based attacks that leverage the JGSS subsystem's handling of security tokens and authentication mechanisms. Attackers can potentially intercept or manipulate security contexts that are established during secure communications, leading to unauthorized access to confidential information. The flaw specifically affects how Java applications process security credentials and maintain secure sessions, particularly when using Kerberos or other GSS-based authentication protocols. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent complexity of security implementations within Java's runtime environment where cryptographic operations and authentication protocols interact with network services. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enable man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can manipulate security contexts without proper authentication, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of Java-based applications.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying Java applications in enterprise environments where secure communications are essential. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for web applications and services that rely on Java for backend processing. The affected versions encompass multiple Java releases, indicating a widespread impact across different Java deployment scenarios including desktop applications, server-side applications, and embedded systems. Organizations using Java-based security services, particularly those implementing Kerberos authentication or other GSS protocols, face potential data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in Java SE Embedded versions also affects IoT devices and embedded systems that utilize Java for secure communication, expanding the attack surface considerably. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability relates to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, as the flaw stems from inadequate validation of security tokens within the GSS framework, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers might leverage compromised Java applications to establish covert communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4734 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Java installations to the latest available versions, as Oracle released security patches specifically addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to Java applications that utilize GSS services, particularly those handling sensitive data. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns or unusual network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary GSS-based authentication mechanisms when they are not required for application functionality, reducing the attack surface. Regular security assessments of Java applications should include vulnerability scanning focused on the GSS implementation, and application developers should review their code for proper error handling and input validation in security contexts. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for known exploit patterns related to Java GSS vulnerabilities provides an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also maintain detailed inventory of all Java installations across their network to ensure complete remediation and prevent oversight of vulnerable systems.