CVE-2017-10074 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Hotspot). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded. Note: This vulnerability applies to Java deployments, typically in clients running sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, that load and run untrusted code (e.g., code that comes from the internet) and rely on the Java sandbox for security. This vulnerability does not apply to Java deployments, typically in servers, that load and run only trusted code (e.g., code installed by an administrator). CVSS 3.0 Base Score 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the Hotspot component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a critical security flaw that affects specific version releases including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131 along with Java SE Embedded 8u131. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's runtime environment where it enables unauthorized network-based attackers to compromise affected systems without requiring authentication. The complexity of exploitation is classified as difficult, yet the potential impact remains severe, aligning with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within a Limited Access Scope) categories within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability involves the improper handling of memory operations within the Hotspot JVM, specifically affecting how it processes untrusted code loaded through sandboxed environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw through multiple network protocols to execute malicious code that bypasses the Java sandbox security model. The vulnerability requires human interaction from users who must perform specific actions such as opening malicious web content or executing Java applets, making it particularly dangerous in client-side environments where users interact with internet-based applications. This characteristic places it within ATT&CK matrix domain of Initial Access through Web Protocols and Defense Evasion techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10074 extends beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete takeover of affected Java environments. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 indicates high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side Java deployments means that typical server environments running only trusted code remain unaffected, though the attack surface expands significantly when considering web-based applications that rely on Java applets or Java Web Start technology. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with internet-based applications, potentially exposing the entire network infrastructure to compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Java versions, alongside implementation of network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. Organizations must also consider disabling Java plugin functionality in web browsers and implementing strict network controls to limit access to potentially malicious web content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current Java installations and highlights the risks associated with legacy Java deployments that continue to operate without proper security updates, making it essential for security teams to conduct comprehensive inventory assessments and implement automated patch management processes to prevent exploitation.