CVE-2016-5552 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Networking). 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 update, insert or delete access to some of 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 5.3 (Integrity impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5552 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle Java SE and JRockit components, specifically affecting the networking subsystem. This vulnerability manifests in multiple Java runtime environments including standard Java SE versions 6u131, 7u121, and 8u112, along with Java SE Embedded version 8u111 and JRockit version R28.3.12. The flaw resides in the networking subcomponent that governs how Java applications handle network communications and data processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the integrity of affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal prerequisites to leverage this weakness, specifically network access and no authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the networking component of Java runtime environments. When Java applications process network data through the affected networking subsystem, the system fails to properly validate incoming data streams, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that can manipulate data within the Java runtime environment. This weakness operates across multiple network protocols and can be triggered through various attack vectors including direct network connections, web services, or even through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond traditional application boundaries, as it affects both client and server deployments of Java, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications serve critical business functions.
The operational consequences of successfully exploiting CVE-2016-5552 are substantial and multifaceted, primarily impacting data integrity within affected Java environments. Attackers can achieve unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the compromised Java runtime, potentially leading to data corruption, information leakage, or system manipulation. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through sandboxed applications creates a particularly concerning scenario where attackers can bypass typical security boundaries, as the flaw exists at the core networking layer that Java applications rely upon for data communication. This characteristic aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and represents a fundamental weakness in how the Java networking component processes external data inputs. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 5.3 reflects the moderate severity of integrity impacts, though the ease of exploitation and broad affected scope make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5552 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java installations across all supported versions, with particular emphasis on enterprise environments where Java applications handle sensitive data. Organizations must implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit unnecessary network access to Java applications, while also considering the deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all Java installations within their environments and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. The vulnerability's exploitation through web services and APIs necessitates additional monitoring of API endpoints and network traffic to detect potential malicious data injection attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as attackers can leverage the compromised Java runtime to execute malicious commands or escalate privileges within the affected systems. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting Java's network capabilities to minimize potential attack surface, particularly for applications that do not require external network communications.