CVE-2017-10108 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Serialization). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131; JRockit: R28.3.14. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Note: This vulnerability can be exploited through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and sandboxed Java applets. It can also be exploited by supplying data to APIs in the specified Component without using sandboxed Java Web Start applications or sandboxed Java applets, such as through a web service. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
This vulnerability resides within the serialization mechanism of Oracle Java SE and related components, specifically affecting versions 6u151, 7u141, 8u131 for standard Java SE, 8u131 for Java SE Embedded, and R28.3.14 for JRockit. The flaw manifests in how the Java runtime environment handles deserialization of objects, creating a pathway for malicious data to be processed and potentially exploited. The vulnerability is classified as easily exploitable due to its accessibility over network protocols and the minimal prerequisites required for an attacker to initiate an attack. According to the CVSS 3.0 scoring system, this vulnerability carries a base score of 5.3, indicating a low to medium severity threat with availability impacts specifically.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of serialized data streams that are processed by the affected Java components. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, when deserialized by a vulnerable Java application, trigger unintended behavior within the runtime environment. This can lead to partial denial of service conditions where the targeted Java process becomes unresponsive or consumes excessive resources, effectively disrupting legitimate operations. The vulnerability's reach extends beyond traditional sandboxed applications, as it can be exploited through Java Web Start applications and applets, but also through direct API interactions such as web service calls that process serialized data. This broad attack surface makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Java applications are extensively used.
The operational impact of this vulnerability can manifest in several ways, with the primary concern being partial denial of service conditions that affect the availability of Java-based applications and services. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause Java processes to hang, crash, or become unresponsive, leading to service disruption for legitimate users. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through multiple vectors including web services and direct API calls makes it particularly dangerous in environments where Java applications are exposed to untrusted data sources. Organizations running affected Java versions may experience reduced system availability, increased maintenance overhead, and potential business disruption. The vulnerability's classification under CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) would likely fall within categories related to improper input validation and serialization flaws, making it consistent with established patterns of Java deserialization vulnerabilities that have been documented in the cybersecurity community.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest available versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious serialized data streams. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for any serialized data received by Java applications, utilizing application whitelisting to restrict which applications can process untrusted data, and monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under the technique of "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" (T1203), emphasizing the need for defensive measures that focus on preventing or detecting the processing of malicious serialized objects. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of affected Java versions within the organization's infrastructure.