CVE-2017-10101 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10101 represents a critical security flaw within the Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Java API for XML Processing (JAXP) component. This vulnerability resides in the core XML processing functionality that Java applications utilize for handling XML data, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of XML processing in enterprise applications and web services. The affected versions include Java SE 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131, along with Java SE Embedded 8u131, indicating this weakness spans multiple generations of the Java platform. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or extensive resources, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on Java-based systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of XML documents within the JAXP processing pipeline, which can be manipulated through crafted XML input to execute arbitrary code within the Java runtime environment. This flaw operates through network-based attacks that require no authentication, allowing remote attackers to compromise systems simply by transmitting malicious XML data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond the immediate Java platform to potentially affect additional products that depend on Java for their operation, creating cascading security implications throughout complex enterprise ecosystems. The CVSS score of 9.6 reflects the high severity of this vulnerability, with complete impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, indicating that successful exploitation can result in full system compromise and complete control over affected Java deployments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10101 is particularly severe in environments where Java Web Start applications or applets are executed in sandboxed environments, as these scenarios typically rely on the Java sandbox security model to protect against malicious code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious XML content that, when processed by the affected Java versions, triggers code execution within the Java runtime environment, effectively bypassing the sandbox protections. This vulnerability specifically targets client-side Java deployments where untrusted code is loaded from the internet, making web applications, browser-based Java applets, and Java Web Start applications particularly vulnerable. The requirement for human interaction means that users must interact with the malicious content, typically through web browsing or application execution, but this interaction is often minimal and can be automated through social engineering tactics, making the attack surface even broader.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect against this vulnerability, including applying the relevant Oracle security patches as soon as they become available, which address the underlying XML processing flaws in the JAXP component. The mitigation approach should also include network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can block suspicious XML traffic patterns, particularly when these patterns are associated with known exploit signatures. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling Java applets and Web Start applications in browser environments where they are not strictly required, as this reduces the attack surface significantly. The vulnerability's relationship to CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and its mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) demonstrates how this flaw can serve as a gateway for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistent access within compromised systems. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all Java installations that may be running the affected versions, particularly in environments where Java is used for processing external XML data or in applications that might be exposed to untrusted XML content from web services or user inputs.