CVE-2017-10096 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JAXP). 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 XML Processing (JAXP) component of Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, representing a critical security flaw that has persisted across multiple version lines including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, 8u131 and Java SE Embedded 8u131. The vulnerability operates at the core of XML processing functionality where Java applications handle external entity references, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through network-based attacks without requiring authentication. The flaw's classification as easily exploitable stems from its ability to compromise the entire Java runtime environment through simple network interactions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted code execution is permitted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of external entity references within XML parsers, specifically in the JAXP processing layer that is part of the broader Java SE framework. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious XML documents that trigger the loading of external resources, potentially leading to remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java environment as it can compromise additional products that rely on Java for operation, creating cascading security implications across interconnected systems. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which addresses improper access control in XML processors, and demonstrates how XML external entity vulnerabilities can be exploited to achieve system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10096 is severe, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 9.6 indicating high severity across all impact vectors including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of affected Java deployments, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Java runtime environment. The vulnerability specifically targets sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets that load untrusted code from the internet, making web-based attack vectors particularly effective. While the vulnerability does not affect server deployments running only trusted code, it poses significant risks to client environments where users interact with potentially malicious web content, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate patching requirements and architectural security improvements. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of Java SE and Java SE Embedded that resolve the JAXP external entity processing issues, as recommended by Oracle's security advisories. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict unnecessary Java runtime access can limit exploitation potential. Security controls should include disabling unnecessary Java applet and Web Start functionality in browsers, implementing strict XML processing configurations that prevent external entity resolution, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of untrusted code. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services aligns with the network-based attack vectors this vulnerability enables, while T1059 covers the command and scripting interpreter execution that typically follows successful exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.