CVE-2017-10110 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: AWT). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Java SE. 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-2017-10110 represents a critical security flaw within the Java SE platform's AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) component that affects multiple Java versions including 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131. This vulnerability operates at the core of Java's graphical user interface subsystem and demonstrates how flaws in fundamental components can compromise entire application environments. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the AWT subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the Java runtime environment through network-based attacks. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers require minimal technical expertise to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where Java applications are deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves memory corruption issues that occur during the processing of untrusted graphical content within Java's AWT framework. When Java applications execute sandboxed code from untrusted sources such as web applets or Java Web Start applications, the flawed AWT component fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to potential buffer overflows or other memory-related exploits. This vulnerability specifically targets the Java sandbox security model that is designed to isolate untrusted code from the underlying operating system. The attack vector requires network access and can be executed through multiple protocols, indicating the broad applicability of this flaw across different network environments. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Access to Memory Location" and CWE-121, addressing "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" in the context of Java runtime environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10110 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of Java SE installations, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The CVSS 3.0 score of 9.6 reflects the severe consequences including high impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the vulnerability requiring only low attack complexity and no authentication requirements. The need for human interaction from someone other than the attacker indicates that social engineering or phishing techniques might be employed to deliver malicious content, though the actual exploitation process itself remains automated. Organizations deploying Java applications in client environments face significant risk as this vulnerability specifically targets deployments that load untrusted code from the internet, making web-based Java applications particularly vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural security improvements. The most effective approach involves immediate patching of affected Java versions to the latest security releases, as Oracle has provided updates to address this specific flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Java applications to untrusted networks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that Java applications run with minimal required permissions and that sandboxed environments are properly configured. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through sandbox bypass methods, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing defensive security measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in Java deployments and to ensure that all components remain up to date with security patches.