CVE-2017-10087 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Libraries). 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 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 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
This vulnerability resides within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded libraries, specifically affecting versions 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131 across both desktop and embedded deployments. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that operates through multiple network protocols, enabling unauthenticated remote exploitation by attackers who can access the target system over a network connection. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal technical expertise to leverage this weakness effectively, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where Java applications are frequently deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java runtime environment's library components, which allows malicious code to bypass the security restrictions typically enforced by the Java sandbox model. This particular weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java deployment environment, as successful exploitation can result in significant consequences including complete system takeover, data corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.6 reflects the high severity of this flaw, with scores of 8.0 or higher indicating a critical threat level that requires immediate attention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe when considering how Java applications are typically deployed in enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically targets Java deployments in client environments where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code from internet sources, such as Java Web Start applications or applets. These deployment scenarios are common in business environments where employees interact with web-based applications that may contain malicious payloads. The requirement for human interaction indicates that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering tactics where users inadvertently execute malicious code, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where security awareness training is insufficient. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) which specifically addresses weaknesses in access control mechanisms within software components.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect their Java environments from exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to patched versions of Java SE and Java SE Embedded that address this specific flaw, as Oracle has released security updates to resolve the vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting Java applet and Web Start execution capabilities, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently execute malicious code. Organizations should also enhance their security monitoring to detect anomalous Java process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's applicability to both client and server environments requires comprehensive security assessments to identify all Java deployments that may be at risk, including legacy systems that may not have received recent security updates. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust application security controls, particularly in environments where Java applications handle sensitive data or provide privileged access to enterprise resources.