CVE-2017-10090 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: 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 7u141 and 8u131 for Java SE, and 8u131 for Java SE Embedded. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who gain network access through multiple protocols. The vulnerability's high severity classification, reflected in its CVSS 3.0 base score of 9.6, indicates significant impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low access complexity, requiring no prior privileges or user interaction beyond the initial compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond just Java SE and Java SE Embedded components, potentially affecting additional products that rely on these libraries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Java runtime environment's library implementations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious code that leverages the sandbox bypass capabilities inherent in the vulnerable Java versions. The vulnerability specifically targets deployments where untrusted code is executed within sandboxed environments such as Java Web Start applications or applets. These sandboxed environments are designed to provide security boundaries that prevent malicious code from accessing system resources, but this vulnerability undermines those protective measures. The requirement for human interaction indicates that while the initial exploitation may be automated, some form of user engagement is necessary for the attack to succeed fully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of affected Java SE and Java SE Embedded systems. This compromise allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime environment, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's applicability to client-side deployments makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently execute malicious code through web-based applications. The attack scenario typically involves users visiting compromised websites or downloading malicious Java applets that exploit this vulnerability. Organizations running servers with trusted code execution environments are generally unaffected by this vulnerability, as the issue specifically targets sandboxed client-side execution contexts.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security releases provided by Oracle. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict unnecessary Java runtime access. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting Java applet and Web Start application usage in production environments. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous Java runtime behavior and network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of executing untrusted code from the internet. Organizations should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized Java applications. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to insufficient input validation and sandbox bypass techniques underscores the importance of comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques focusing on privilege escalation and persistence through client-side exploitation methods.