CVE-2017-10102 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: RMI). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded. 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 can only be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using Untrusted Java Web Start applications or Untrusted Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 9.0 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/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-2017-10102 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Oracle Java SE and Java SE Embedded platforms, specifically affecting the Remote Method Invocation (RMI) subsystem. This vulnerability resides in the core Java runtime environment and impacts multiple version lines including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, and Java SE Embedded 8u131, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these Java versions across enterprise environments and embedded systems. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be met, the attack surface remains significant due to the prevalence of Java applications and services that utilize RMI for distributed computing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the RMI component of the Java runtime, allowing malicious data to be processed through APIs without proper sanitization or authentication requirements. This flaw enables an unauthenticated attacker to craft specially crafted payloads that can be delivered via multiple network protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and other communication channels that Java RMI supports. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level within the Java Virtual Machine, where serialized objects are deserialized without adequate security checks, creating a path for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a fundamental weakness that enables attackers to execute malicious code through object deserialization processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10102 extends far beyond the immediate Java environment, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise of Java SE and Java SE Embedded installations. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.0 indicates severe consequences across all impact vectors, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability implications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within networks. The attack vector requiring network access without authentication makes this particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to untrusted networks or where RMI services are improperly configured. The vulnerability's potential to affect additional products demonstrates how Java-based systems often serve as entry points for broader security breaches, as the compromised Java runtime can be leveraged to attack other systems that depend on Java services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10102 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Java versions, as Oracle released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java RMI services and disable unnecessary RMI functionality where possible. Security configurations should enforce strict input validation and disable deserialization of untrusted data streams. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing exposed Java services. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns, implementing network intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments targeting Java applications. Organizations should also consider implementing Java sandboxing mechanisms and restricting Java applet execution in web browsers to reduce the attack surface. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing Java applications while maintaining the security posture of the overall system infrastructure.