CVE-2016-5546 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u131, 7u121 and 8u112; Java SE Embedded: 8u111; JRockit: R28.3.12. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. Note: Applies to client and server deployment of Java. This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 7.5 (Integrity impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE libraries component and represents a critical integrity flaw that affects multiple Java runtime environments including standard Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and Oracle JRockit. The vulnerability impacts specific version ranges with Java SE 6u131, 7u121, and 8u112, Java SE Embedded 8u111, and JRockit R28.3.12 being particularly susceptible. The flaw operates at the library level within the Java runtime infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various network protocols without requiring authentication. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the easily exploitable category according to Oracle's assessment, indicating that attackers can leverage it with minimal effort to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java libraries that handle data processing operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending maliciously crafted data to APIs within the affected component through multiple network protocols. The vulnerability's design allows for exploitation in both sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications and Java applets, as well as through direct API interactions without sandbox restrictions. This dual exploitation capability significantly broadens the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise deployments where Java applications are extensively used for web services and client-server communications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic) demonstrates the fundamental nature of the flaw in input handling and validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to encompass potential unauthorized modification and deletion of critical system data. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of sensitive information accessible through the affected Java runtime environments, making it a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both client and server deployments of Java applications, meaning that organizations with web applications, enterprise services, and embedded systems using these vulnerable versions are all at risk. The ability to exploit this vulnerability through web services and API interactions makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose Java-based services to external networks, as attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access or specialized privileges. Organizations running affected Java versions face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Java versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict unnecessary access to Java services, while application whitelisting can help prevent exploitation through sandboxed applications. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous data access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.5 indicates high severity, requiring immediate attention from security teams. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues in the future. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting Java libraries and related components.