CVE-2017-10053 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: 2D). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131; JRockit: R28.3.14. 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: 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 3.0 Base Score 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the 2D graphics component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple Java versions including 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14. The flaw manifests as a partial denial of service condition that can be triggered by unauthenticated network attackers, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's exploitability score of 5.3 on the CVSS 3.0 scale indicates a moderate risk level, though the availability impact component scores at a low level, suggesting that attackers can disrupt service availability without necessarily gaining access to sensitive data or system privileges. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low complexity and no privilege requirements, meaning that even casual network users can potentially exploit this weakness.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain 2D graphics operations within the Java runtime environment, specifically within the component responsible for rendering graphical content. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious input that, when processed by the Java 2D graphics system, can cause the application to consume excessive system resources or enter an unstable state, thereby resulting in partial denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through multiple attack vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications, sandboxed Java applets, and direct API data injection makes it particularly versatile and difficult to defend against. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would fall under CWE-400, which covers "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" or "Resource Exhaustion" conditions that can lead to denial of service attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10053 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect critical business applications that rely on Java-based systems for their operations. Organizations running affected Java versions may experience intermittent service interruptions, application instability, or complete application unresponsiveness when this vulnerability is successfully exploited. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through web services and APIs without requiring sandboxed execution environments means that even well-protected applications may be at risk if they process untrusted input through Java 2D graphics APIs. This creates a particularly challenging scenario for network administrators and security teams who must consider both traditional network-based attacks and application-level data injection attacks when assessing risk. The vulnerability's presence in Java SE Embedded versions also impacts IoT devices and embedded systems that rely on Java for their graphical user interfaces, potentially creating widespread disruption across various device types and platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions, as Oracle has released security updates addressing this specific weakness. Organizations should prioritize updating to Java SE versions 6u152, 7u142, and 8u132 or later, along with the corresponding JRockit updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional protection by limiting access to Java applications and services that may be vulnerable to exploitation. The use of application whitelisting and sandboxing measures can further reduce risk, though it's important to note that this vulnerability can be exploited through non-sandboxed execution paths. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual resource consumption patterns and potential exploitation attempts through Java 2D graphics APIs. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving resource exhaustion and service disruption, which are commonly used in denial of service attacks and can be part of broader attack chains targeting Java-based systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.