CVE-2017-10086 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JavaFX). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 7u141 and 8u131. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. 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 9.6 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10086 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's JavaFX component, specifically affecting Java SE versions 7u141 and 8u131. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and presents a significant risk to systems running sandboxed Java applications. The flaw resides in the JavaFX subsystem which is responsible for rich client application development and multimedia capabilities within the Java platform. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Java applications are widely deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the JavaFX component that processes untrusted code loaded through sandboxed applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious code that, when executed within a sandboxed Java Web Start application or applet environment, can bypass the security boundaries designed to protect the underlying system. The vulnerability requires network access and can be triggered through multiple protocols, demonstrating its broad attack surface. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 9.6, indicating high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vector notation AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H clearly shows that no authentication is required, the attack is easily accessible, human interaction is necessary, and the impact is catastrophic across all security dimensions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10086 extends beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete takeover of the affected Java SE environment. This vulnerability particularly affects client-side deployments where users interact with web-based applications that utilize Java applets or Web Start applications, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability's designation as affecting "additional products" indicates that the compromise can extend beyond the immediate Java environment to impact other systems that may be connected or dependent on the compromised Java infrastructure. The requirement for human interaction suggests that users must actively engage with the malicious content, typically through web browsing or application execution, making user education and awareness critical components of defense strategies. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management and buffer overflows, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1203, representing exploitation of web applications and browser-based attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including disabling Java applets and Web Start applications where possible, applying the latest Oracle security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to Java-enabled systems. The security community should also consider this vulnerability as part of broader Java security assessments, given its potential to provide attackers with elevated privileges and complete system control. Regular security audits of Java deployments, particularly those involving client-side applications, are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The impact of this vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices and the need for organizations to regularly update their Java installations to protect against known exploits. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of sandboxing mechanisms and the potential risks associated with executing untrusted code within trusted environments.