CVE-2017-10109 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 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 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 subsystem of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments, specifically affecting versions 6u151, 7u141, 8u131, and R28.3.14. The flaw manifests as a deserialization issue that allows remote attackers to manipulate the Java object deserialization process through network-based protocols. The vulnerability operates at the core of Java's security model where sandboxed applications execute untrusted code, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are deployed. The CVSS 3.0 score of 5.3 indicates a moderate severity impact with availability implications, specifically targeting partial denial of service conditions that can disrupt normal application functionality. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which catalogs deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, representing exploitation of software vulnerabilities through deserialization attacks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-10109 occurs when untrusted serialized data is processed by the Java runtime environment, allowing attackers to inject malicious objects that can manipulate the deserialization process. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through multiple network protocols without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where sandboxed Java applications process data from untrusted sources. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious serialized objects to a vulnerable Java application, which then processes these objects during deserialization, potentially executing arbitrary code or causing system instability. The vulnerability specifically impacts Java deployments in client environments such as web browsers running Java applets or Java Web Start applications, where security boundaries are established through sandboxing mechanisms that can be bypassed through proper exploitation of the serialization flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a fundamental weakness in Java's security architecture that can enable more sophisticated attacks. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause partial denial of service conditions that disrupt application availability, potentially affecting user experience and system reliability. The attack scenario is particularly concerning in environments where Java applets or Web Start applications are commonly used to execute untrusted code from the internet, creating a security risk that can compromise entire client systems. Organizations running vulnerable Java installations face potential exposure to attackers who can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access or disrupt services. The vulnerability's impact is mitigated in server environments where only trusted code is executed, as the sandboxing protections that make this vulnerability exploitable in client scenarios are not present in properly secured server deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10109 require immediate patching of affected Java installations to the latest supported versions that contain fixes for the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to vulnerable Java applications, particularly those running in client environments where sandboxed applets or Web Start applications are executed. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual deserialization activities and network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling Java in web browsers where possible, implementing strict code signing requirements for Java applications, and regularly updating Java runtime environments to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Java versions and prioritizing patch deployment based on risk exposure and business criticality.