CVE-2017-10116 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 6u151, 7u141 and 8u131; Java SE Embedded: 8u131; JRockit: R28.3.14. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover 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 8.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10116 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit runtime environments, specifically affecting the Security subcomponent. This vulnerability manifests in multiple supported versions including Java SE 6u151, 7u141, and 8u131, Java SE Embedded 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14, making it a widespread concern across various Java deployment scenarios. The flaw's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions, the potential impact makes it a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability's accessibility via multiple network protocols demonstrates its broad attack surface, allowing unauthenticated remote exploitation that can compromise entire Java runtime environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw that can be leveraged through sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are typically isolated from the underlying system for security purposes. However, this particular weakness allows attackers to bypass these security mechanisms and achieve complete control over the affected Java environments. The vulnerability's exploitation requires human interaction from users other than the attacker, indicating that social engineering or user deception may be necessary components of successful attacks. This characteristic places additional emphasis on user awareness training alongside technical security measures. The CVSS 3.0 score of 8.3 reflects the severity with components assessing confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts as high, with a network access vector and high attack complexity, suggesting sophisticated attack requirements but significant potential consequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10116 extends beyond immediate system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete takeover of Java SE, Java SE Embedded, and JRockit environments. This level of compromise allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within network infrastructures. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited through web services and APIs without requiring sandboxed applications demonstrates its versatility and increases the attack surface significantly. Organizations using these Java versions face substantial risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their networks, particularly in environments where Java applications are extensively deployed. The vulnerability's presence in embedded systems further compounds the risk, as these environments often lack the robust security controls found in enterprise systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Oracle typically releases security updates addressing such flaws. Organizations must implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish strict access controls for Java applications. The implementation of network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify that systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary Java features and implementing additional layers of protection such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability relates to CWE-248, which covers "Exception Not Caught," indicating potential issues with error handling in the Java runtime environment. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and potentially T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious commands through the compromised Java environment. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in Java deployments and other runtime environments.