CVE-2017-10081 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. Easily exploitable 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. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Java SE, Java SE Embedded accessible data. 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 4.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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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 significant security weakness that affects specific version releases including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131 along with Java SE Embedded 8u131. The vulnerability operates under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically targets the runtime execution environment where Java applications operate within sandboxed contexts. The flaw enables attackers to exploit network-based access through multiple protocols without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where untrusted code execution is permitted. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 4.3, reflecting the integrity impact category with a low attack complexity and requiring only user interaction to achieve successful exploitation. This classification places the vulnerability in the medium severity range according to industry standards and security frameworks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-10081 occurs within sandboxed Java environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets where code from untrusted sources is executed. These deployments typically operate under strict security boundaries designed to prevent unauthorized access to system resources, but this vulnerability allows bypassing such protections through carefully crafted malicious code. The attack vector specifically targets the Java Virtual Machine's hotspot compiler and runtime mechanisms, exploiting weaknesses in how the system handles code execution within sandboxed contexts. The requirement for human interaction indicates that while the vulnerability can be triggered automatically through network delivery, successful exploitation still necessitates some form of user engagement, such as clicking on a malicious link or opening an infected file. This user interaction requirement helps explain why the vulnerability primarily affects client-side deployments rather than server-side implementations where trusted code typically dominates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to unauthorized modification of data within Java SE and Java SE Embedded environments, specifically allowing attackers to perform insert, update, or delete operations on accessible data repositories. While the integrity impact is limited to data manipulation rather than complete system compromise, the potential for unauthorized data modification creates serious security implications for applications that rely on Java sandboxing for protection. The vulnerability's applicability is restricted to client deployments running untrusted code, meaning server-side implementations with properly configured trusted code environments remain unaffected. Organizations utilizing Java-based web applications or client-side Java applets face significant risk if they fail to update to patched versions, as attackers could exploit this weakness to modify sensitive data or compromise data integrity within applications that depend on Java sandboxing for security. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of Java for execution, and T1566, focusing on the delivery of malicious code through web-based attack vectors.
Organizations should immediately implement patch management strategies to upgrade affected Java SE and Java SE Embedded installations to versions that address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation involves applying Oracle's security patches specifically designed to fix the hotspot compiler issue in affected Java versions. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable Java installations, particularly those running in client environments where untrusted code execution is necessary. Browser-based security measures such as disabling Java plugin execution in web browsers and implementing strict content security policies can further reduce the attack surface for exploitation. Regular security assessments should verify that Java deployments are properly configured and that only necessary applications require Java execution capabilities. Organizations should also monitor for any related vulnerabilities in their Java environments and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this and similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of these controls helps align with industry best practices for Java security management and reduces the risk of successful exploitation attempts.