CVE-2017-10118 in Java SE
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JCE). Supported versions that are affected are Java SE: 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 access to critical data or complete access to all Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit accessible data. 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 7.5 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10118 represents a critical security flaw within the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) component of Oracle Java SE and JRockit runtime environments. This weakness resides in the cryptographic implementation that governs Java's security capabilities, affecting multiple Java versions including Java SE 7u141 and 8u131, Java SE Embedded 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers can leverage it without requiring specialized skills or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where Java applications are widely deployed. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation through multiple protocols, which significantly expands the potential attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of cryptographic parameters within the JCE framework, specifically affecting the Java Cryptography Extension's handling of cryptographic operations. This flaw enables attackers to bypass security restrictions that normally protect sensitive data and cryptographic operations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including sandboxed Java Web Start applications and applets, which are commonly used in web environments where users might encounter malicious code. Additionally, the vulnerability can be triggered through direct API calls without requiring sandboxed execution contexts, meaning that web services or other networked applications that utilize Java's cryptographic libraries could be compromised. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 7.5 reflects the high severity of the confidentiality impact, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to critical data or complete data compromise.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-10118 extend beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental weakness in Java's cryptographic security model that could enable attackers to perform advanced persistent threats or data exfiltration operations. Organizations running Java applications across web services, enterprise applications, and embedded systems face significant risk exposure from this vulnerability. The fact that it affects both Java SE and JRockit components means that the attack surface spans multiple Oracle Java implementations, requiring comprehensive patch management across different Java runtime environments. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in software implementations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application execution through web services. The vulnerability's exploitation capability through web services specifically targets the principle of least privilege and data protection mechanisms that organizations rely upon for security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Java installations across all supported versions, including the specific Java SE releases 7u141 and 8u131, Java SE Embedded 8u131, and JRockit R28.3.14. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Java-based services and consider disabling Java applet execution in web browsers where possible. The vulnerability's exploitation through API calls necessitates monitoring and logging of cryptographic operations within applications that utilize Java's JCE components. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Java versions and implement additional controls such as network firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security fixes for Java components, particularly those related to cryptographic implementations that are critical to organizational security postures.