CVE-2017-10078 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Scripting). The supported version that is affected is Java SE: 8u131. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized creation, deletion or modification access to critical data or all Java SE accessible data as well as unauthorized access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE accessible data. 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 8.1 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10078 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's scripting component that affects Java SE version 8u131. This vulnerability operates as a sandbox escape mechanism that allows attackers to bypass the security restrictions typically enforced by Java's sandbox model. The flaw specifically resides in how the scripting engine handles certain operations, creating an avenue for malicious code execution that can circumvent the traditional security boundaries designed to protect users from potentially harmful applications. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that minimal technical expertise is required to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where Java applications are frequently deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the scripting component's execution environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness through multiple network protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, and other communication channels that Java applications typically utilize. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the scripting engine's handling of specific API calls, allowing malicious code to execute outside of the intended sandbox boundaries. This flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized modifications to critical system data, including the ability to create, delete, or modify sensitive information that would normally be protected by Java's security model. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be initiated through both sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets, which are commonly used deployment methods for enterprise applications. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited through direct API interactions without requiring the use of sandboxed components, making it applicable to a broader range of attack scenarios including web services and other network-based interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10078 is severe and multifaceted, with potential consequences extending far beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to access all data that is accessible through Java SE, including potentially sensitive corporate information, user credentials, and system configuration details. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as high severity, indicating that the vulnerability can result in complete data compromise without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond network access. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.1 reflects the significant risk posed by this vulnerability, particularly because it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including web services, sandboxed applications, and direct API interactions. Organizations running Java SE 8u131 are particularly vulnerable as this version contains the specific flaw that allows for unauthorized access to critical system resources and data modification capabilities.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several established frameworks including CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the scripting component, and relate to ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation and defense evasion. The vulnerability demonstrates how sandbox escape mechanisms can be exploited to bypass security controls that are fundamental to Java's security architecture. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Java SE 8u141 or later versions that contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary scripting components, implementing network segmentation to limit access to Java applications, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping Java installations current, as this specific flaw was addressed in subsequent releases. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted Java applications and establish robust network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through the various attack vectors identified in the vulnerability description.