CVE-2017-10089 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: ImageIO). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 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-2017-10089 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE's ImageIO component, specifically affecting Java SE versions 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and poses significant risks to Java deployments that execute untrusted code within sandboxed environments. The flaw resides in how Java SE processes image files through the ImageIO framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or extensive resources, making it particularly dangerous in widespread deployment scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ImageIO subsystem, which processes various image formats including but not limited to jpeg, png, and gif files. When Java applications encounter malformed image data, the system fails to properly sanitize the input, potentially allowing attackers to craft malicious image files that trigger unexpected behavior within the Java runtime environment. This weakness directly maps to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique of T1059.1001, where adversaries execute malicious code through application interfaces. The vulnerability's design allows for code execution in contexts where such behavior should be strictly prohibited, particularly within sandboxed environments that are designed to isolate untrusted code from system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10089 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of affected Java SE installations. This represents a high-severity threat that can lead to data breaches, system corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.6 reflects the comprehensive nature of the impact, with high scores across confidentiality, integrity, and availability metrics. The vulnerability's requirement for human interaction, specifically through user engagement with malicious content, indicates that it typically manifests in social engineering scenarios where users unknowingly interact with compromised image files. This aspect places significant emphasis on user awareness and security training, as the attack vector often involves deception rather than purely technical exploitation methods. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side Java deployments, particularly Web Start applications and applets, makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with internet-based content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10089 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating affected Java installations to patched versions that contain proper input validation mechanisms within the ImageIO component. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes and ensure that all Java deployments are updated according to vendor security advisories. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's specific context within sandboxed environments suggests that administrators should review and tighten security policies for Java applet and Web Start configurations. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious image file processing activities and unusual network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling Java in web browsers and implementing strict content security policies to prevent automatic execution of untrusted Java code. These measures align with the defensive techniques outlined in ATT&CK framework under T1190, which addresses exploit public-facing applications, and emphasize the importance of maintaining current security patches as a fundamental defense mechanism against known vulnerabilities.