CVE-2016-5547 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: 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 ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. 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 5.3 (Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5547 resides within the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit components, specifically within the Libraries subcomponent. This weakness represents a critical security flaw that affects multiple versions of Oracle's Java platform, including Java SE 7u121 and 8u112, Java SE Embedded 8u111, and JRockit R28.3.12. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage network-based attacks without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are deployed. The affected components are fundamental to Java's runtime functionality, which means that exploitation can have widespread consequences across various deployment scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how Java processes certain data inputs through its library components, allowing attackers to manipulate the Java runtime environment. This particular weakness enables unauthorized partial denial of service conditions, where the attacker can disrupt the normal operation of Java applications without necessarily achieving complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends to both client and server deployments of Java, indicating that it affects the entire Java ecosystem from desktop applications to enterprise server environments. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets demonstrates that even restricted execution environments are not immune to this particular flaw, undermining the security boundaries that these sandboxes are designed to maintain.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5547 is significant for organizations relying on Java-based systems, as it allows attackers to cause partial denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations and application availability. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and APIs means that it can be leveraged in scenarios where traditional sandboxing measures might not prevent exploitation, creating additional attack vectors for malicious actors. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the context of attack techniques that bypass traditional security controls, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under process injection and privilege escalation categories. The availability impact score of 5.3 in CVSS v3.0 indicates that while not the most severe vulnerability, it still represents a meaningful threat to system stability and service continuity.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle security patches and updates to affected Java versions, as well as considering network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to Java applications where possible. The vulnerability's exposure through multiple protocols and application types requires comprehensive security measures that address both network-level and application-level defenses. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Java functionality and implementing strict access controls for Java-based applications to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how flaws in core runtime libraries can have cascading effects throughout entire application ecosystems, making it a prime example of how weaknesses in foundational components can create widespread security implications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to input validation and resource management underscores the need for robust code review processes and security testing of Java libraries and runtime components.